Until early May 2026, the Poleni Museum of the University of Padua is exhibiting 92 artefacts in the exhibition “Models. Knowledge in three dimensions”. From Renaissance astronomical instruments to nineteenth-century dam models and mathematical curves.

The initiative is part of the project ‘Models. A journey through disciplines and cultures’, funded by the University of Padua’s call for proposals to encourage projects for the development of Third Mission and Open Science activities. It was proposed by the Department of Physics and Astronomy, in collaboration with the Department of Industrial Engineering, the Department of Information Engineering, and the University Centre for Museums, with the support of numerous external partners.

This is a scientific project that focuses on models as tools for research, learning, communication and inclusion, from the past to the present day. In addition to the exhibition, the proposal is expanded with a series of seminars (“A Matter of the Head: experimental and numerical methods in the design of personal protective equipment for road safety” on 24 September, 4.30 p.m., Lecture Hall M1 – DII, Via Venezia; ‘From idea to business. Innovation, technology transfer and academic entrepreneurship’ in October, date to be confirmed; “Digitisation of reality and medicine of the future: virtual models and predictions” on 20 November, at 4 p.m., Sala del Romanino – Eremitani Museum) and a theatre show entitled Caravanserraglio, which will debut at the Teatro San Carlo dell’Arcella on 17 October at 9 p.m.

The exhibition includes numerous loans from various museums and collections of the University of Padua, with some parts of the permanent exhibition of the Poleni Museum, such as the precious 16th-century armillary sphere.

Information

From September, after the summer break, the exhibition will be open on Sundays from 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm. For updates on opening hours and guided tour schedules, please visit the Poleni Museum website.