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
Speciale Scuole: le nuove proposte del Museo Poleni
Speciale Scuole: le nuove proposte del Museo Poleni
Si arricchisce l'offerta didattica del Museo Poleni con due nuove visite visite guidate, una dedicata alle donne nella scienza, e l'altra centrata sulla mostra temporanea "Modelli"
Riapre il Museo Poleni con le visite guidate gratuite alla Mostra “Modelli”
Riapre il Museo Poleni con le visite guidate gratuite alla Mostra "Modelli"
Dopo la pausa estiva riapre il Museo Poleni! Riprenderanno anche le visite guidate gratuite alla mostra "Modelli. Il sapere in 3 dimensioni". Da settembre 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
