Galileo Museum of the History of Science

Museo Galileo, the former Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza (Institute and Museum of the History of Science), has been housed in Palazzo Castellani since 1930. Its extraordinary collections comprise antique scientific instruments, dating from the 11th to the 19th centuries, including the only surviving instruments by Galileo Galilei. The permanent exhibition is divided into three sections: the first floor accommodates the Medici Collections of mathematical and astronomical instruments by great Italian and foreign instrument-makers, the second floor presents the Lorraine Collections, while the ground floor houses the interactive area. Museo Galileo offers a wide variety of educational activities for schools, with different types of guided visits and workshops, following the principles and aims of edutainment. Students can thus learn by exploring a selection of originals and replicas, in order to better understand how the instruments are made and work. Open Wednesday through Monday 9.30am to 6pm. Tuesdays 9.30am to 1pm Ph. 055 265311