Last Supper - to see or not to see, that is the question

Well, I made the reservations months in advance. We were going to see The Last Supper at the end of the last day of our 16 day trip. It was supposed to be a highlight of a trip that included Provence, Torino, Florence and the Veneto. But, we were so tired that neither one of us wanted to go! We had a wonderful trip, but we didn't have the energy left to see The Last Supper. But I did buy the most wonderfully tacky Last Supper refrigerator magnet at the airport!

Dear Carolyn,
IMHO, you must see The Last Supper. We almost didn't go - it was our last day in Italy, we had come to Milan by train from Venice, and were looking toward a long flight home the next day. Feeling pretty tired BUT we had made arrangements to do a tour of Milan and at the end of the tour see The Last Supper. All during the Milan tour, all I could think about was leaving the tour and settling down at an outside cafe with a glass of wine (we kept seeing others enjoying this from our tour bus). But we persevered and finally arrived to see the painting. A bit of waiting around and then finally there. There is NOTHING like this work. Its condition did not distract from its power and grandeur. We had plenty of time to view from many angles. Our tour guide (who until then was slightly irritating), spoke at length about aspects of the painting in a soft tone, perfect for the surroundings. It was quite magical. We had seen many incredible sights on this trip - ancient Rome, the Vatican, David in Florence, lots of Michelangelo, Bernini, etc. but this was an absolute highlight. Please go!

My wife and I have been fortunate enough to travel and see some wonderful art. The Last Supper,to me, is the the most incredible thing I've seen that was made by man. When we first saw it it took my breath away. I can't even tell you why it moved me that much it just did. Please don't miss it.

I have never gone to Milano without seeing da Vinci's Last Supper. It is part of history; read the photograph exhibits of how the church was bombed during WWII, but the wall the painting is on remained standing.

I agree with the others, definitely worth seeing. I saw it on the first day of a trip. I arrived in Milan in the morning and had an afternoon appointment. I arrived early and had to wait a bit for my time to come up. When I walked in and saw it, I had to catch my breath. It was magnificent. The time limit is about right, not too rushed. I had read the story too of how the wall was left standing during the war. It is really a one of a kind experience. Don't miss it.

The official website is not showing any information about selling tickets now. IS the viewing currently stopped? If not, what is the official way to get tickets now?

Ad of yesterday, the website has an announcement for the dates in which tickets can be acquired for May, June and July, and some information about the new prices.

It is definitely worth seeing it! Actually I don't think the condition is that bad at all either!

I thought it was worth it.

To be able to see it was, for me, an awesome experience. The fact that the mural is on the only wall left standing during the 1943 bombing of Milan (the Church which houses the mural was virtually destroyed), is quite incredible in itself. I wouldn't miss the opportunity to see it.

Glad to read these encouraging remarks and insights. We are flying out of Milan after our Village Italy tour and have a day where we can see it (hopefully). Off to search and buy tix now!

You can now take non flash photos when you visit. I went two years ago by myself and just last month returned with my husband who had not seen it. I would encourage you to see it. I also recommend the Last Supper in Ognissanti in Florence by Ghirlandaio. Leonardo is said to have visited prior to his painting.

Thanks for all the responses. I will check back later this month to try and get tickets for July. Fingers crossed.

I think it is an important enough site to see once. There is very little paint left since the last restoration removed all the inpainting that had essentially become the post card view we have all grown up with. It is a hint at what it was. It has more historic than artistic interest IMHO.

Definitely worthwhile making the effort while in Milan, however the Scrovegni Chapel in Padova is even more breathtaking.

One of the great works of art in western history. get tickets if you can and if you can't (more than likely) use a guide to get in there. DO IT Here is a guide that can help (Rick Steve's approved) http://www.walkingtourmilan.it/index.html