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Museo di Palazzo Poggi: A Journey Through Science and Art

Explore Bologna's scientific heritage in a stunning Renaissance palace, home to unique anatomical collections and historical artifacts.

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Housed in the historic Palazzo Poggi, the museum showcases the University of Bologna's rich scientific collections. Visitors can explore exhibits ranging from anatomical waxes to ship models, all within fresco-adorned halls dating back to the 16th century.

A brief summary to Museo di Palazzo Poggi

  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they vary depending on the day and season.
  • Consider purchasing the Card Cultura for free admission to this and other museums in Bologna.
  • Don't miss the Observatory Museum (La Specola) in the same building, but book in advance for the guided tour.
  • If you have mobility issues, use the alternative entrance in Largo Alfredo Trombetti 4, which provides elevator access.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Museo di Palazzo Poggi is located on Via Zamboni, in the heart of Bologna's university district. From Piazza Maggiore, walk northeast along Via dell'Indipendenza, then turn right onto Via Zamboni. The museum is on the right side of the street, under the colonnades. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Museo di Palazzo Poggi is easily accessible by bus. Several bus lines stop near the museum on Via Zamboni. Check the TPER website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A single ticket costs €2.30 and is valid for 75 minutes. You can purchase tickets at tobacconists, vending machines, or directly on the bus for a slightly higher price.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available throughout Bologna. A taxi from the Bologna Centrale train station to Museo di Palazzo Poggi will cost approximately €8-€13. Taxi stands are located at the train station and Piazza Maggiore. You can also book a taxi through a taxi app. Be sure the driver resets the meter at the beginning of the ride.

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Discover more about Museo di Palazzo Poggi

The Museo di Palazzo Poggi offers a fascinating glimpse into the scientific endeavors of the 18th-century Institute of Sciences. Founded by Cardinal Giovanni Poggi and his brother Alessandro, the palazzo was constructed in 1549 and later became the Institute of Science and Arts in 1711. Today, the museum recreates the laboratories and collections of the Institute, displaying a diverse range of artifacts. The museum's collections span several disciplines, including natural history, military architecture, ship models, physics, and human anatomy. Highlights include the obstetrics and anatomical collection, featuring rare 18th-century wax models crafted by masters like Clemete Susini and Ercole Lelli. These models, sometimes using real skeletons covered in wax, provide a detailed look at human anatomy. The "Venerina," a reclining nude Venus with removable anatomical parts, is a masterpiece of this collection. Other notable exhibits include the military architecture chamber, displaying fortification schemes and artillery models. The Museum of Ships and Ancient Maps features models of commercial and military vessels, alongside 17th-century navigation maps. The physics section showcases early electrical apparatus, such as Ramsden's 18th-century electrostatic generator. The Palazzo itself is a work of art, adorned with frescoes by renowned Renaissance artists like Pellegrino Tibaldi, Prospero Fontana, and Niccolo dell'Abbate. A visit to the Museo di Palazzo Poggi offers a unique blend of art, science, and history.

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