One of the first stamp issues of 2026 by Mimit, Italian Ministery of Enterprises and Made in Italy, curated by Poste Italiane is dedicated to the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, celebrating the 250th anniversary of its foundation, as part of the thematic series “Italy’s Excellence.” Issued on January 22, 2026, the stamp bears the denomination “B Zone 1 rate” and has a print run of 220,025 copies. The design was created by Emanuela L’Abate.
Printed in four-color rotogravure by the Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute, the stamp combines a detail from the medal depicting “Minerva holding the group of the Three Graces,” engraved by Luigi Manfredini, with the preparatory drawing for the same medal made in the early 19th century by Giuseppe Bossi. Bossi played a highly active role in the artistic scene of his time and gave a decisive impulse to the Brera Academy, which soon became one of the most prestigious institutions in Europe.
The Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan
Even today, entering the Academy means breathing in the finest values of human creativity. It is a place where ancient memory meets contemporary experimentation, where ideas, people, and cultures intersect.
The Academy is located at Via Brera 28, inside the historic Palazzo di Brera, in the heart of the district that shares its name.
Browsing the list of those who have taught or studied at Brera is truly moving. Francesco Hayez, the celebrated Romantic painter and author of the iconic “Kiss,” teached at the Academy for over fifty years (from 1822 to 1880).
Moving into the 20th century, we encounter Carlo Carrà, Lucio Fontana, and Arturo Martini. In the field of design, we must mention Enzo Mari, an extraordinary designer who made a fundamental contribution to Italian and international creativity.
You don’t need to be a student or teacher at Brera to appreciate its incredible atmosphere. Even the street that bears its name is alive with art galleries, antique shops, cafés, and meeting places where young and old gather — a corner of the city where Milan’s pulse is constantly vibrant, under the attentive and curious gaze of this ancient institution.
Roby Giannotti
Philatelic journalist, member of USFI
info@robygiannotti.com
