The Giovanni Poleni Museum tells the story of physics between Padua and the world through a unique collection, begun in 1739 with the Physics Cabinet founded by Giovanni Poleni, one of the most famous in Europe at the time. The museum’s scientific instruments span centuries of innovation, from the Renaissance era to the 20th century, reflecting developments in physics research and teaching at the University of Padua and beyond.
This journey between past and present reveals the connections between the University’s physicists and the national and international scientific community, exploring the links between science, art, architecture, music, and psychology. Through the stories of objects, marked by both successes and failures, the museum offers a glimpse into the complex relationship between science and society from the Renaissance to the present day.
VISIT THE MUSEUM
Open on Sundays | 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Available by reservation on other days, except Saturdays
Reservation: +39 049 827 3939
Through June 8, 2025: Sundays with free admission to the Museum and free guided tours from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
EVENTS
Padova raccontata dai modelli
Padova raccontata dai modelli
Un'altra visita guidata gratuita alla scoperta della storia di Padova e non solo, nella splendida corince della mostra "Modelli - il sapere in 3 dimensioni"
Funghi e ponti, fossili e macchine – visita guidata per famiglie
Funghi e ponti, fossili e macchine - visita guidata per famiglie
Bambine e bambini sono benvenuti a partecipare a una speciale visita guidata nella nuova mostra al Museo Poleni
Visita guidata mostra: “MODELLI. Il sapere in tre dimensioni”
Visita guidata mostra: "MODELLI. Il sapere in tre dimensioni"
Una giornata con due turni di visite guidate alla scoperta della ricchezza e della diversità di modelli utilizzati per la didattica in varie discipline, nella spendida corince della mostra "Modelli - il sapere in 3 dimensioni"
La mostra MODELLI – il sapere in 3 dimensioni
La mostra MODELLI - il sapere in 3 dimensioni
Dall’11 maggio 2025 al 3 maggio 2026, vieni a scoprire i modelli che hanno segnato la storia della conoscenza. Animali, piante, ponti, statue, fossili, macchine, minerali… tutto può essere modellizzato!
DISCOVER THE MUSEUM
Collections
Scientific instruments from the sixteenth century to the present day tell the story of scientific developments, from Renaissance practical mathematics to Giovanni Poleni’s experimental physics lessons, up to modern scientific research.
Research and insights
The Poleni Museum collections allow for exploring multiple interpretations of scientific instruments, which are at the center of international research projects and interdisciplinary studies.
Digital museum
Explore the collections online through videos, virtual tours and digital resources that tell the story of the Poleni Museum and its instruments, accessible to everyone from anywhere.
About us
Experts in the history of physics and scientific instrumentation study the Poleni Museum’s heritage to enhance it and stimulate reflections beyond the boundaries of science.
The Museums of the University of Padua
