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
Modelli. Il sapere in 3 dimensioni
Modelli. Il sapere in 3 dimensioni
Animali, piante, ponti, statue, fossili, macchine, minerali… tutto può essere modellizzato! Venite a scoprire la nuova mostra temporanea del Museo Poleni.
Funghi e ponti, fossili e macchine – Visita per bambini e famiglie
Funghi e ponti, fossili e macchine - Visita per bambini e famiglie
Riapre il Museo Poleni con una visita guidata gratuita dedicata a bambini e famiglie, per scoprire la mostra temporanea "Modelli. Il sapere in 3 dimensioni".
I 5 sensi al Museo Poleni
I 5 sensi al Museo Poleni
Venite a immergervi nella scienza e la sua storia, alla scoperta di alcuni dei legami della fisica con i nostri cinque sensi: vista, gusto, olfatto, tatto e udito
Luce e colori
Luce e colori
Venite a scoprire la storia degli studi sulla luce, dall’Antichità al XX secolo, attraverso gli affascinanti strumenti storici 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









