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
Visite guidate gratuite alla Mostra “Modelli”
Visite guidate gratuite alla Mostra "Modelli"
Riprenderanno da settembre le visite guidate gratuite alla mostra "Modelli. Il sapere in 3 dimensioni". Vi aspettiamo!
Riapre il Museo Poleni!
Riapre il Museo Poleni!
Dopo la chiusura estiva, dal 7 settembre, il Museo Poleni sarà di nuovo aperto al pubblico di domenica, dalle 14.30 alle 18.30, con un programma ricco di eventi. Vi aspettiamo!
Campi Estivi INFN al Museo Poleni il 10, 16 e 24 luglio
Campi Estivi INFN al Museo Poleni il 10, 16 e 24 luglio
Anche quest’anno, nel mese di luglio, INFN Kids torna al Museo Giovanni Poleni per tre appuntamenti con la scienza dedicati a bambine e bambini dai 6 ai 12 anni
Padova raccontata dai modelli
Padova raccontata dai modelli
Ponti e dighe, chiuse e ferrovie… i modelli esposti nella nuova mostra temporanea "Modelli - Il sapere in 3 dimensioni" raccontano anche pagine della storia della città di Padova e non solo
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
