Museo di Palazzo Poggi

The Museo di Palazzo Poggi is at Via Zamboni 33, in the University Quarter of Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, and is one of the university's main museums. The palace was built in the 16th century for the Poggi family, and in 1714 it was acquired by the Istituto delle Scienze, created by Luigi Ferdinando Marsili to bring modern science into the city. The institute was housed here until the early 19th century, and the building continues to serve the University of Bologna. The museum opened in the 20th century to show the university's scientific heritage, and its collections reflect the Enlightenment ambition to organise knowledge. Rooms on the first floor contain the natural history collection assembled by Ulisse Aldrovandi in the 16th century, one of the earliest in Europe, including specimens, plates and woodblocks. The section on anatomy features the famous wax models, made in the 18th century by Ercole Lelli, Anna Morandi Manzolini and others for teaching anatomy and obstetrics, which are noted for their detail and artistry. Other rooms hold physics instruments, military architecture models, a naval room with ship models, and chemical and geographical collections. The frescoed halls, painted by Pellegrino Tibaldi and Niccolo dell'Abate in the 16th century, form a major part of the experience. At the top, the Specola tower, an astronomical observatory built in 1725, provides a view of the old city and houses instruments used for observation. The museum is arranged thematically, mixing original cabinets with explanation panels, and it has been restored and expanded in recent decades. Admission is about EUR 5 and hours are limited, with mornings in the week and afternoons at weekends, so it is important to confirm times at sma.unibo.it. Visits usually last around two hours.