Museo di Palazzo Poggi
About This Museum
Would you believe a 16th-century palace holds one of the world's first 'makerspaces' for science? That's the magic of Palazzo Poggi. You wander through grand rooms where University of Bologna professors once charted the stars and dissected human bodies, all under breathtaking mythological frescoes. It feels less like a sterile museum and more like stepping directly into the vibrant, curious mind of the Renaissance.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the incredible anatomical wax models by Ercole Lelli—they're both art and science in stunning, sometimes unsettling, detail. Then there's the massive terrestrial globe, intricate nautical charts, and an array of fascinatingly odd ancient scientific instruments that fill the cabinets.
Visitor Information
Tucked away on Via Zamboni in the university district, it's a wonderful escape from the more crowded spots. Just check the university's website for opening times before you go, as they can be unique to the academic calendar.
Architecture & Building
A quintessential Italian Renaissance palazzo from the outside, but inside it's a riot of 16th-century Mannerist frescoes covering walls and ceilings with dramatic scenes of gods and heroes.
Contact & Location
Address: Università di Bologna, 33, Via Zamboni, Irnerio, Santo Stefano, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, 40126, Italia
Phone: +39 051 209 9610
Website: Visit Website
