Palazzo Poggi Museum

The Museum of Palazzo Poggi, located in the heart of Bologna on Via Zamboni, is a fascinating journey through the history of science, art, and culture. This extraordinary university museum is housed in one of the city’s most historic and prestigious buildings, Palazzo Poggi, a masterpiece of Bolognese Renaissance architecture, built in the 16th century and decorated with frescoes by famous artists such as Pellegrino Tibaldi, Niccolò dell’Abate, and Prospero Fontana. The museum originated from the Academy of Sciences of the Institute of Bologna, founded in 1711 by Count Luigi Ferdinando Marsili, an eccentric scientist and military man who wanted to create a center of excellence for scientific research. The museum’s collections reflect Marsili’s wide range of interests, spanning from astronomy to cartography, from biology to chemistry. The visit to the Museum of Palazzo Poggi begins with the Hall of the Aldrovandian Collections, dedicated to Ulisse Aldrovandi, one of the greatest naturalists of the Renaissance. Here are displayed samples of plants, animals, and minerals collected by Aldrovandi during his travels and studies. His collections, carefully preserved, offer a glimpse into the emerging science of biology and the intellectual fervor of the time. Continuing on the path, you arrive at the section dedicated to anatomical ceroplastics. This sector of the museum presents a series of anatomical wax models created in the 18th century, used for teaching medicine. Among these, stand out the works of Ercole Lelli and Giovanni Manzolini, famous for the precision and detail with which they reproduced the human body. These models are not only valuable educational tools but also works of art that testify to the mastery of Bolognese artists of the time. Another point of great interest is the Museum of Ships and Ancient Maps, which houses models of historical ships and a vast collection of ancient maps. These artifacts illustrate the evolution of navigation and cartography from the Middle Ages to the modern era, emphasizing the importance of Bologna as a center of geographical studies. In this section, visitors can admire navigation instruments and detailed maps documenting the explorations and geographical discoveries of those centuries. The obstetric section, dedicated to Giovanni Antonio Galli, provides an overview of the progress of medicine and surgery in the field of obstetrics. Here are displayed medical instruments, anatomical models, and illustrations documenting the techniques used to assist women during childbirth. This collection is particularly significant for understanding the evolution of medical practices and the importance of professional training in this delicate sector. The Museum of Palazzo Poggi is not only a place of preservation but also a center for research and scientific dissemination. Through temporary exhibitions, conferences, and educational activities, the museum continues to play an active role in promoting scientific culture. Its rich and diverse collections offer a unique opportunity to explore the history of science and technology, from the discovery of natural phenomena to the development of experimental techniques. One of the most striking rooms in the museum is the Magna Charta Hall, where the original document of the Magna Charta Universitatum is displayed, an important manifesto that enshrines the fundamental principles of university autonomy and academic freedom. This document, signed by the rectors of European universities in 1988, represents a symbol of the University of Bologna’s commitment to promoting international cooperation and the dissemination of knowledge. Palazzo Poggi itself is an architectural masterpiece worthy of attention. Built at the initiative of Cardinal Giovanni Poggi, the palace is a perfect example of Bolognese Renaissance architecture, with its elegant facades, internal courtyards, and richly decorated rooms. The frescoes adorning the walls and ceilings of the main rooms are works of some of the greatest artists of the 16th century, contributing to creating a unique atmosphere that combines art and science in a perfect blend.