During the 18th and 19th centuries, medical scientists began to shift their attention from the study of human anatomy to that of pathology, in order to understand the cause and development of certain anomalies. They used wax to make models of the cases studied. You can see a collection of wax models and preparations which were used to study the Read more...

The Comparative Anatomy Collection exhibits preparations, skeletons and specimens which provide us documentary evidence on how vertebrates evolved across millions of years to adapt to new needs such as swimming, digging or running. You will be impressed by the gigantic skeleton of a 16-metre-long sperm whale! Read more...

The Collection houses the instruments used for the experimental study of physics in the 19th and 20th centuries, which still have a fundamental scientific and historical value. Uncover the stories behind this collection, which includes instruments and documents that have been preserved by local scientific institutions in the last two centuries, but also new exhibits acquired in the last few Read more...

Do you know how scientists used to work in the 18th century? The Museum of Palazzo Poggi recreates the laboratories and collections belonging to the Institute of Sciences and Arts, which was once located in the same building. Here you will learn about the first experimental studies conducted by scientists at the Institute. After almost three centuries, the great frescoed Read more...

SMA is a network of fifteen museums, collections, and a digital museum belonging to the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the Western world. The University was founded in 1088. With almost one thousand years of history, it is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Its diverse collections were born as a result of teaching and scientific research activities carried Read more...