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
The Museum’s Sunday openings will resume in September. We look forward to seeing you!
Until July 31, tours by appointment are available every day except Saturday and Sunday. The Museum will then reopen in September.
To book a visit: +39 049 827 3939
EVENTS
Strumenti ed esperimenti: speciale visita guidata per bambini e famiglie.
Strumenti ed esperimenti: speciale visita guidata per bambini e famiglie.
Tra domande e piccoli esperimenti, viaggiamo indietro nel tempo, fino agli albori della scienza moderna. Un’esperienza adatta a tutta la famiglia!
Luce e colori
Luce e colori
Perché vediamo i colori? Come si scoprì che la luce bianca è fatta di tanti colori? La visita guidata risponderà a queste e ad altre domande, ripercorrendo la storia degli studi sulla luce dall’Antichità fino all’inizio del XX secolo.
Aurore boreali… dall’Ottocento a oggi. Ultima occasione, fino al prossimo inverno!
Aurore boreali… dall’Ottocento a oggi. Ultima occasione, fino al prossimo inverno!
Bagliori colorati che illuminano il cielo notturno, le aurore boreali sono un fenomeno ormai visibile anche nelle nostre zone e non solo vicino al Polo Nord o Sud. Vi invitiamo al Museo Poleni per scoprire questo spettacolare fenomeno.
Università Svelate: Museo Poleni
Università Svelate: Museo Poleni
Come nasce una mostra temporanea? Chiacchierata con Sofia Talas, conservatrice del Museo Poleni.
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
