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
Tours by appointment are available every day except Saturday and Sunday. The Museum’s Sunday openings will resume on 13th September.
To book a visit: +39 049 827 3939
EVENTS
Scienziate – appunti sparsi di genio femminile
Scienziate - appunti sparsi di genio femminile
Una visita che presenta studiose note e meno note di vari periodi storici, con l’intento di stimolare riflessioni e discussioni sulla situazione delle donne nella scienza tra passato e presente.
Un viaggio nel tempo e nella scienza al Museo Poleni
Un viaggio nel tempo e nella scienza al Museo Poleni
Antichi strumenti scientifici, storie affascinanti ed esperimenti interattivi ti aspettano per un'esperienza unica.
Science4All al Museo Poleni con Scienziate – appunti sparsi di genio femminile.
Science4All al Museo Poleni con Scienziate - appunti sparsi di genio femminile.
Per Science4All il Museo Poleni propone una visita che presenta studiose note e meno note di vari periodi storici, con l’intento di stimolare riflessioni e discussioni sulla situazione delle donne nella scienza tra passato e presente.
I cinque sensi al Museo Poleni
I cinque sensi al Museo Poleni
Vieni a scoprire come i cinque sensi entrano in gioco nella fisica!
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
