Museum of Human Anatomy

The Museum of Human Anatomy “Luigi Rolando” in Turin represents one of the oldest and most significant anatomical collections in Europe. Founded in 1739, the museum is named after Luigi Rolando, a renowned anatomist and professor at the University of Turin, known for his studies on the central nervous system. The museum’s collection began thanks to the will of Carlo Emanuele III of Savoy, who commissioned Giovanni Battista Bianchi to create a series of anatomical preparations for the future University Museum. The original collection included wax models, skulls, and skeletons, intended for teaching and scientific research. Among the most valuable pieces are a plaster statue of a pregnant woman and a dissectible model of the brain in wood and ivory, evidence of the advanced techniques of the time. During the 19th century, under the direction of Carlo Giacomini, the collection was significantly expanded with new anatomical preparations, both dry and in alcohol, as well as artifacts from anthropology and primatology, influenced by Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.The museum is located in the Palazzo degli Istituti Anatomici, a building specially constructed in 1898 to house the anatomical collections. The building itself is an example of architecture dedicated to science and education, with spacious exhibition areas and laboratories. The layout of the rooms allows visitors to follow a logical path through the various sections of the collection, from human anatomy to anthropological and primatological sciences.One of the most fascinating elements of the museum is its library and documentary archive, which preserves a wide range of scientific texts, historical photographs, and manuscripts, many dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. This documentary heritage offers an in-depth look at the history of medicine and biological sciences, making the museum not only a place of exhibition but also a center for research and study.The museum’s exhibition rooms are organized thematically, allowing visitors to explore various aspects of human anatomy and the history of medicine. One of the most impressive rooms is dedicated to human anatomical preparations, which include models of internal organs, skeletal systems, and tissues. These preparations, some of which were made using advanced preservation techniques for the time, provide a detailed and realistic image of the human body.The anthropological section of the museum contains artifacts that illustrate the biological diversity of humanity, with skulls and skeletons from different populations, as well as cultural artifacts that offer insight into the practices and beliefs of various communities. The primatological collection, on the other hand, includes skeletons and models of primates, allowing for a comparison of human anatomy with that of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.The museum is also known for its collection of phrenology, a pseudoscience that was very popular in the 19th century, which sought to correlate skull characteristics with mental abilities and personality traits. Although phrenology is widely discredited today, the phrenological artifacts in the museum represent an interesting chapter in the history of human sciences and psychology.A particularly relevant aspect of the Museum of Human Anatomy is its educational role. The museum regularly organizes guided tours, educational workshops, and conferences aimed at students, healthcare professionals, and the general public. These activities aim to spread knowledge of human anatomy and the history of medicine, promoting a critical and informed approach to the biological sciences.Despite its historical origins, the museum continues to evolve, integrating new technologies and exhibition methodologies to make the visitor experience increasingly engaging and informative. The use of three-dimensional models, virtual reconstructions, and digital interactions allows for an innovative exploration of human anatomy, offering a deeper and more accessible understanding of the human body.