Science & technology museums in Italy

The National Museum of Cinema (Museo Nazionale del Cinema) is an Italian motion picture museum, that is housed in the Mole Antonelliana tower in Turin. The collections includes pre-cinematographic optical devices (magic lanterns), earlier and current film technologies, stage items from old Italian m

The National Automobile Museum (Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile) is an automobile museum in Turin that holds a collection of almost 200 cars, representing 80 automobile brands from 8 countries. The museum is situated in a building from 1960 that has three floors. The collection of The National Autom

Museo Galileo is a museum in Florence where visitors can learn about the history of science. Housed in Palazzo Castellani, the museum boasts a great collection of scientific instruments from the Medici Collection dating back to the 15th century. The permanent exhibition is devoted to Galileo, even G

The Galata Museum (Galata - Museo del Mare) is the largest museum of its kind (that focuses on the Mediterranean) and is located at the Porto Antico in Genoa in the Palazzo Galata. In addition to the replica of a full-size Genoese galley, the museum features interactive exhibition spaces that illust

The Museo Storico Navale, located at the Arsenale of Venice, is a property of the Italian Navy. It is a permanent exhibition of a collection of testimonies, relics, and historical memorabilia related to navigation. The museum particularly focuses on the Italian and Venetian maritime history, making it a significant destination for those interested in naval history.

The Lighthouse of Genoa, also commonly referred to as the Lantern ("Lanterna"), is a significant landmark situated in the port of Genoa, Italy. This historic lighthouse was constructed and equipped with lighting in the year 1543, making it a symbol of the city's rich maritime history.

The Natural History Museum of the Academy of the Fisiocritici, also known as MUSNAF, is an integral part of the Academy. It is housed in the former convent of Santa Mustiola, a building that dates back to the 12th century and once belonged to the Camaldolese order. The museum has been located here since 1816, adding a layer of historical significance to its scientific collections.

The Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci is a science and technology museum in Milan. It is named after Italian polymath of the Renaissance Leonardo da Vinci. With around 16,000 exhibits, it is the largest museum of its kind in Italy. The main building was once a monastery. The a

The Juventus Museum and Tour is about reliving all the history and triumphs of Juventus, through technology, multimedia and memorabilia. In addition to the Museum visit, visitors can sample the most exclusive areas of Allianz Stadium by combining the museum visit with the Allianz stadium tour. Here

The City of Science in Catania is an initiative that aims to promote and disseminate scientific knowledge. It is managed by volunteers, most of whom are from the University of Catania. This makes it a unique place where visitors can learn about science in an engaging and interactive way, while also getting a sense of the local academic community's commitment to science education and outreach.

The Museo delle Scienze, also known as MUSE, is a science museum located in Trento, Italy. It offers a variety of exhibits and interactive displays that cater to all ages, making it a great destination for families, students, and anyone with a keen interest in science.

The Virtual Museum of the Salerno Medical School is situated in the heart of Salerno's historic center, at Via dei Mercanti 74. This location is not far from the city's Cathedral, making it easily accessible for tourists exploring the area. The museum is housed in a building that was once the Church of San Gregorio, built during Salerno's Lombard period around the year 1000.

The Ducati Museum is a museum in Bologna that is dedicated to the Ducati motorcycle brand. The museum is located at the Ducati factory and holds a collection of Ducati motorcycles and some early non-automotive products. The collection illustrates the history of Ducati motorcycles and is told in a pe

The Prato Textile Museum, situated in the heart of Prato, is housed in the converted Campolmi textile mill. This museum is recognized as Italy's largest hub for the study, conservation, and exhibition of both historic and contemporary textiles. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich textile history of Italy, making it a significant point of interest for tourists.

The museum showcases vintage cars and the overall evolution of the means of transport of the last two centuries.

The museum houses a collection of ex-voto offered by the faithful to the Madonna di Bonaria, archaeological finds, ship models, and sacred furnishings. These exhibits provide a glimpse into the religious and historical significance of the sanctuary.

The National Railway Museum of Pietrarsa (Museo Nazionale Ferroviario di Pietrarsa) is a railway museum in/near Naples that is housed in what was originally the old Bourbon workshop Officine di Pietrarsa where steam machines for ships and boilers for locomotives were built. The museum features 5 pav

MAGMA, the Museum of Cast Iron Arts in Maremma, is a unique museum situated in Follonica. It is located in the area of the former Ilva foundries, a significant industrial site that played a crucial role in the city's history. The museum offers a deep dive into the rich tradition of iron and cast iron production that shaped the city and its people.

The Former Florio Tuna Fishery of Favignana and Formica, also known as La Tonnara di Favignana, is a historic tuna fishery located in Favignana, one of the Egadi Islands. This establishment, which includes facilities for the preservation of the catch, is a significant part of the island's history and culture. Visitors can explore this ancient fishery and learn about its role in the local economy and way of life.

The Parco Tematico & Museo dell'Aviazione di Rimini, located in the hills of Rimini, is a significant museum that was inaugurated in 1995. This location offers a unique blend of history and aviation, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in these fields.

The Trieste Campo Marzio Railway Museum is a unique destination that offers a deep dive into the history of the railways of Friuli and Venezia Giulia. The museum showcases various means of locomotion, personnel, maintenance and management systems that were used in the past. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of railway systems in this region.

The Museo dell’aeronautica Gianni Caproni is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Italian aviation engineer and entrepreneur Gianni Caproni. It is a place where visitors can learn about the history of aviation and the contributions of Caproni to the field.

La Specola - Museum of Zoology and Natural History is a natural history museum in Florence. The name is a reference to the astronomical observatory founded here in 1790. The museum's collection is based on the Medici Natural History Collection and is best known for its collection of anatomical wax m

The Immaginario Scientifico - Museo della Scienza (IS), formerly known as the Science Centre Immaginario Scientifico, is an interactive and experimental science museum. It has two locations, one in Trieste and the other in Pordenone. This museum is part of the new generation of museums, adopting the unique exhibition techniques of interactive museums. It invites the public to experiment and 'touch' natural phenomena through interactive stations.

The Museo delle Cere Anatomiche in Cagliari is situated in the Cittadella dei Musei. It is home to an impressive collection of anatomical waxes that depict parts of the male and female human body. This collection is considered the second most significant in Italy, surpassed only by the Museo della Specola in Florence.

The Museo del Mare e acquario Città di Piombino is situated in the heart of Piombino, in piazza Bovio. The museum is housed in the historic Palazzo Appiani, which was once the residence of the Lords of Piombino. This location not only provides a unique setting for the museum but also adds a layer of historical significance to your visit.

The Museo di Piana delle Orme is a unique park-museum situated in the province of Latina. It boasts a collection of around 50,000 artifacts, each carefully curated and displayed across various pavilions. Each pavilion is themed according to significant events in local history, such as the Anzio Landing during World War II and the reclamation of the Agro Pontino. This museum offers a comprehensive insight into the region's past, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.

The exhibits at the Museo di Scienze Planetarie trace the evolutionary history of the Universe, from its inception to the formation of the Solar System. Visitors can view a representation of the Milky Way and a scale model of the planets, which are accompanied by images and explanatory films. This visual and interactive approach provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of our cosmic history.

The National Antarctic Museum Felice Ippolito, also known as MNA, is an Italian scientific museum. It is divided into three locations, namely Genoa, Siena, and Trieste. This museum was established in 1996 and is dedicated to the memory of the geologist and engineer Felice Ippolito, who was its first president.

The Sardinian Railway Museum, located within the Cagliari station, was inaugurated in 1985. It is managed by the Sardinian Historical Trains Association "Sardegnavapore" and is owned by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana. This museum offers a unique insight into the history of railways in Sardinia.

The VIGAMUS - The Video Game Museum of Rome is an interactive museum in the Italian capital Rome that is dedicated to the history of video games. It features a permanent exhibition that is divided into different eras of video game history, starting off with the Magnavox Odyssey. The collection of V

The Musei della Cartiera Papale in Ascoli Piceno is located in a multifunctional architectural complex. This complex has a rich history, having been used for various activities such as paper mills, water mills, cloth tanning, and ironworks over time. The museum offers a unique insight into these historical industries and the role they played in the region's development.

Leonardo3 – The World of Leonardo da Vinci is a museum in Milan that illustrates the discovery of Leonardo da Vinci, the artist and inventor, with working models of his machines and digitalized restorations of his paintings.

The Istituto Ricerche Esplosivistiche (IRE) was established in the 1980s as a private collection by its founder and current president, Danilo Coppe. His professional journey began in the Apuan Marble Basin, followed by work in quarries for cement aggregates. He later collaborated with Lennart Abersten, a Swedish specialist who first diverted the lava of a volcano during the Eruption of Etna in 1983 using explosives in a targeted manner.

La Casa del Suono, located in Parma, is a unique museum that focuses on the history and evolution of instruments used for sound reproduction and transmission. It offers an extensive collection of around 400 pieces, ranging from early phonographs and galena radios to modern digital players. The museum provides a fascinating journey through the development of sound technology, making it an interesting visit for anyone interested in music, technology, or history.

The Antica Spezieria di San Giovanni is a historic pharmacy that has been converted into a museum. It is located in Borgo Pipa 1/a in Parma, within the Abbey of San Giovanni Evangelista. This unique museum offers a glimpse into the history of medicine and pharmacy, showcasing a collection of ancient tools and artifacts used in the preparation of medicines.

Explora in Rome is a science and history museum in Rome. With the motto "learning by doing", the museum features a lot of interactive exhibitions, full of various educative activities. These are divided into areas designated for children of a specific age. The Explora aims to encourage and help the

The Opificio delle Pietre Dure is a public institute of the Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage in Florence. The operating and research activities of the Opificio are focused on the fields of restoration, preservation of works of art and the teaching of restoration. The museum is housed in the ro

The Museum of History of Medicine in Padova (MUSME) is a public museum that was opened in 2015. It is situated in the ancient Hospital of San Francesco Grande, which is located next to the church of San Francesco Grande in Padua. This location is steeped in history and provides a unique setting for the museum.

Infini.to, the Planetarium and Museum of Astronomy and Space, is situated in Pino Torinese, on the hill of Turin. It is conveniently located next to the Astronomical Observatory, an ancient scientific institution in Turin. This location offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the wonders of the universe and the history of astronomy in one place.

Lo Speleovivarium is a unique museum and bio-speleology laboratory situated in the San Vito district of Trieste. It is located at the base of the staircase that splits Guido Reni street into two parts. This location offers a unique blend of history, science, and natural beauty, making it an interesting destination for tourists visiting Trieste.

The Museum of Electrical Technology (MTE) is a unique institution located in Pavia, Italy. It is dedicated to the world of electrotechnics and electrical engineering. The museum was officially opened to the public in March 2007, offering a comprehensive insight into the history and development of electrical technology.

The Museum of the History of Physics is situated within the Department of Physics and Astronomy “Galileo Galilei” at the University of Padua. This location is significant as it is a hub of scientific learning and research, making it an ideal place to house a collection of historical scientific instruments. Visitors to the museum can expect to be immersed in the rich scientific history of the University of Padua, which has been characterized by innovation and experimental vocation since the 18th century.

Città della Scienza, the interactive science museum of Naples: an experience for the whole family. Corporea, a journey into the human body where you can play with more than 100 hands on exhibits and multimedia installations (in Italian and English). The 3D Plantarium, a simulator of the sky that fai

Learn more about the beautiful material and what can be made out of it. A showcase of artifacts from 18th century.

The Maritime Museum in Triest, founded in 1904, is a historical institution that houses a vast collection of documents and objects. These artifacts narrate the history of the port and maritime activities of the city. Visitors can gain a deep understanding of the city's maritime past and its evolution over the centuries.

The Museo Dinamico del Laterizio e delle Terrecotte, located in Marsciano, is a museum dedicated to the centuries-old and traditional production of bricks and terracotta. This museum offers a unique insight into the history and craftsmanship of these materials, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history, architecture, and art.

The Museo del Salame di Felino is an ethnographic museum that focuses on the production of Salame di Felino. It is situated within the cellars of the Castello di Felino, an ancient manor that dates back to the year 890. The museum is located in Felino, in the Province of Parma.

The Museo Nazionale dei Trasporti, located in La Spezia, was established in 1986 with the aim of collecting and preserving historical means of transport, tools, and related documentation. The museum also has a branch at the new Taggia station, providing visitors with two locations to explore the rich history of transportation in Italy.

The Naval Technical Museum of the Italian Navy, located in La Spezia, holds a significant place among Italian naval museums. It's a hub of naval history and technology, showcasing the evolution of Italian naval power and maritime technology over the centuries. The museum's location, next to the main entrance to the Military Arsenal, adds to its historical significance.

The Museo Geologico Gemmellaro (Museo Geologico e Paleontologico G.G. Gemmellaro) is a geological and paleontological museum in Palermo that is related to the University of Palermo. The Museo Gemmellaro is one of the most important institutions of its kind in the Mediterranean. The collections are h

The University History Museum of Pavia is divided into two main sections: medicine and physics. These sections house a vast collection of artifacts and documents related to these fields. In addition to these, the museum also preserves a variety of literary and legal manuscripts, offering a comprehensive insight into the academic history of the university.

The Museum of Geography is a part of the University of Padua and is situated in the historic Palazzo Wollemborg. The museum houses a collection of materials that have been gathered over a span of 150 years, reflecting the research and activities of the Geography department of the university. This collection provides a unique insight into the evolution of geographical studies and research over a significant period of time.

In the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Rome, you can discover interactive and life-size machines crafted by Italian artisans from Leonardo’s codices and see exhibitions on his most famous Renaissance art, anatomical sketches and animations of The Last Supper, Vitruvian Man, and the Sforza equestrian scu

The Centro Storico Fiat is a museum and company archive in Turin where automobiles, airplanes, trains, tractors, trucks, bicycles, washing machines and refrigerators of the Fiat brand are exhibited along with scale models, reconstructions of parts of the production process, posters and advertisement

Museo del Patrimonio Industriale (The Museum of Industrial Heritage of the Municipality of Bologna) is a history museum in Bologna that is specifically dedicated to the industrial history of the city from the 14th century to the present. The museum is housed in the renovated buildings of a brick kil

The Railway Museum of Puglia, located in Lecce, Italy, is a significant destination for those interested in the history of railways. The museum houses a collection of objects that provide insight into the railway history of the Puglia region. This includes historical vehicles, railway-specific equipment, and model railway installations that recreate specific operational situations.

Museo Geologico Giovanni Capellini (The Geological and Paleontological Museum is a museum in Bologna that is the largest paleontological museum in Italy. It is named after Giovanni Capellini, an Italian geologist and paleontologist. Currently the collection shows more than five hundred years of educ

The Leonardo Da Vinci Museum in Florence displays a collection of interactive machines based on the original sketches of Renaissance artist Leonardo Da Vinci.

The Museo Etnografico sulla Lavorazione del Legno is an ethnographic museum that is situated in San Vito di Leguzzano, a municipality in the province of Vicenza. The museum is housed within the Corte Priorato-Gandin, a historic site in the region.

Museo della Specola (The Specola Museum) is housed in the astronomical tower built at the beginning of the eighteenth century on Palazzo Poggi and represents the historical seat of the Department of Astronomy. The museum is part of the University Museum System (SMA) within the University of Bologna.

The Glass Museum of Empoli is situated in a historical building at 50 Ridolfi Street. This building, known as the 'salt warehouse', dates back to the 14th century and was originally used to store and distribute the product of the Volterra salt pans. This unique location adds a layer of historical significance to the museum, making it not just a place to learn about glassmaking, but also a site of historical interest.

The Specola di Padova is the former observatory of the University of Padua, located in the Northern Italian region of Veneto. Despite local references to it as Galilei's observatory, there has never been a connection between Galilei and the Specola. Originally, the tower was the large watchtower or Torlonga of Castelvecchio, the medieval castle in the center of Padua.

The INAF Brera Astronomical Observatory is an astronomical observatory in Milan. It is the oldest scientific institution in Milan. The INAF Brera Astronomical Observatory has been the workplace of many astronomers, including Italian astrophysicist and scientific disseminator Margherita Hack.

The Planetarium Pythagoras of Reggio Calabria is conveniently located in Via Salita Zerbi, within the Mirella Carbone Park. This location is near the Faculty of Architecture of the Mediterranean University, making it easily accessible for visitors. The park setting provides a serene environment that complements the astronomical focus of the planetarium.

The Museo del Mare di Napoli (Naples Maritime Museum) is a museum related to the Istituto Nautico Technical College in Naples. The museum is dedicated to the maritime history of the Campania region and in particular the city of Naples. Highlights in the collection are valuable ship models.

Museo Di Anatomia Comparata is a museum in Bologna that houses a comparative anatomy collection, which, as a whole, is made up of over 9,000 pieces that make it, in its genre, one of the best known internationally both for its size and for the rarity of the objects. Currently about 2,500 exhibits ar

Museo di Mineralogia Luigi Bombicci (The "L. Bombicci" mineralogy museum) is part of the University Museum System of the University of Bologna. This museum is named after a professor, head of the Mineralogy Department at the university. It contains about 10,000 minerals and stones.

The Leonardo Interactive Museum in Florence displays reproductions of artworks, inventions and designs by Leonardo da Vinci.

The Pharmaziemuseum Brixen, also known as Museo della Farmacia di Bressanone, is a museum located in Bressanone, South Tyrol, Italy. This small museum is dedicated to the history of pharmacy and offers a unique insight into the evolution of this field. It's an interesting destination for those who are interested in history, medicine, or pharmacy.

The Museo della Navigazione nelle Acque Interne (MNAI) is a specialized museum located in Capodimonte, in the province of Viterbo. Owned by the Municipality of Capodimonte, the museum offers a unique insight into the history of inland water navigation.

The Garden of Archimedes is a museum dedicated to mathematics in Florence that aims to enhance public understanding and perception of mathematics. The museum has many hands-on exhibits for both adults and children and is divided into different sections that relate to different ways of discovering ma

The Giuseppe S. Vaiana Astronomical Observatory is an astronomical observatory in Palermo that is housed inside the Palazzo dei Normanni. It is a research facility of the National Institute of Astrophysics. The Museum of the Specola (Museo della Specola), located at the top of the leaning tower of t

The Astronomical Observatory of Capodimonte is an observatory of the Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica of Italy. It is located on the Capodimonte, a hill in Naples. The observatory contains a 40-cm Ritchey-Chretien telescope, a meridian circle, a functioning historical refractor dating from 1864, a

The Parco Museo Ferroviario (Parco Museo Ferroviario Met.Ro) is a railway museum in Rome that holds numerous vehicles of the predecessor companies that made up the ATAC. It is located in the Roma Porta San Paolo train station on the Roma Porta San Paolo-Cristoforo Colombo railway line to Lido di Ost

Mu.Ma - Museo Navale di Pegli (The Pegli Naval Museum) is a museum in Genoa that is housed in the 16th century Villa Doria Centurione, in the Pegli district. It is part of the museum circuit of the Mu.MA - Institution of Museums of the Sea and Migration. The exhibition in the museum illustrates the

The Museo della Fondazione scienza e tecnica is the museum of the Science and Technology Foundation in Florence. The Foundation was founded in 1987 to preserve, promote and spread the scientific and technological culture. Museo della Fondazione scienza e tecnica is the largest collection in Italy an

The Puccini Museum is situated in the heart of Lucca, in Corte San Lorenzo, 8. This historic location is not just a museum, but also the birthplace of the renowned composer Giacomo Puccini, who was born here on December 22, 1858. The Puccini family had established their residence here in 1815, and the maestro lived in this house until 1880, when he moved to Milan to complete his studies.

The Museo Officine Benelli is situated in Pesaro, specifically at Viale Mameli 22. This location was formerly the site of the Benelli factories, which were in operation until the late 1980s. Today, it serves as a testament to the city's industrial history and the legacy of the Benelli brand.

Sirmuma, the Sea Museum of Syracuse, is situated in Ortigia, at the Vittorio Emanuele II forum, popularly known as Marina. This location is a significant part of the city's history and culture, making it an interesting spot for tourists to visit. The museum's location adds to the overall maritime experience, as it is surrounded by the sea and the city's vibrant marine life.

Museo di Fisica is a Museum of physics in Rome that organizes various scientific and technological exhibitions. The items on display in the museum are divided into 7 thematic sections, each of them focusing on different aspect of physics. These range from acoustics to pumps. The highlights of the ex

In "Welcome To Rome" you will be immersed in the history of Rome and you will live an exciting and engaging experience. In fact, visiting Welcome To Rome means making a real journey through time and space. Walls and ceilings will come alive around you while on the ground a large model of the city

The Roberto Papi Museum is situated in the historic Galdieri Palace in Salerno. This location adds a touch of history and grandeur to the museum, making it an interesting destination for tourists who appreciate architecture and history.

The Museo di Zoologia di Catania, along with the attached 'Butterfly House', is part of the University Museum System (SiMuA) of the University of Catania. This integration allows the museum to benefit from the resources and expertise of the university, enhancing its offerings and the overall visitor experience.

The POST, short for Perugia Officina per la Scienza e la Tecnologia, is an interactive museum that is dedicated to the scientific culture of the city of Perugia. This museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with science and technology in a hands-on and interactive way, making it a great destination for those interested in these fields.

Short of ideas on what do to on the weekend? Take an excursion of the museum and learn about the mining history or go for a cable ride.

The Museo Nazionale dell'Antartide Felice Ippolito (National Museum of Antarctica Felice Ippolito, MNA) is a natural science museum in Genoa that has 2 related museum in Siena and Trieste. The museum was founded in 1996 and is named after the geologist and engineer Felice Ippolito (1915-1997). The m

The museum covers a variety of topics from the history of using geothermal energy to the technological details and questions of sustainability.

Museo delle Cere Anatomiche Luigi Cattaneo (The Collection of Anatomical Waxes "Luigi Cattaneo") is a museum in Bologna that is named after the Italian anatomist Luigi Cattaneo. The collection of normal and pathological human anatomy of the museum illustrates the path taken by scholars of medical sc

Spazio La Stampa lets its visitors learn about the La Stampa newspapers in an interactive way. The exhibition explains the development of technologies and the newspapers itself.

Museo Pelagalli Mille Voci Mille Suoni (The Museum of Communication and Multimedia Giovanni Pelagalli - A Thousand Voices ... A Thousand Sounds) is a museum in Bologna that is dedicated to the history of telecommunications, from its origins to the most recent developments. The museum houses over ove