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
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
Funghi e ponti, fossili e macchine – Speciale visita guidata per bambini e famiglie
Funghi e ponti, fossili e macchine - Speciale visita guidata per bambini e famiglie
Una speciale visita guidata per famiglie per scoprire come si insegnavano botanica e fisica, ingegneria e veterinaria e molto altro attraverso gli oggetti esposti nella nuova mostra temporanea "Modelli - il sapere in 3 dimensioni"
Visite guidate alla mostra “Modelli”
Visite guidate alla mostra "Modelli"
Domenica 1 giugno due turni di visite guidate gratuite su prenotazione
Padova raccontata dai modelli
Padova raccontata dai modelli
Un'altra visita guidata gratuita alla scoperta della storia di Padova e non solo, nella splendida corince della mostra "Modelli - il sapere in 3 dimensioni"
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
