At Via San Vittore 21, this science and technology museum spreads across a former 16th-century Olivetan monastery. Its galleries range from energy, metalworking and space to rail, air and naval transport, so allow time to follow the subjects that interest you. The Leonardo gallery has detailed models built from his drawings, including working reconstructions of his inventions. Elsewhere, you can see historic trains and aircraft, and the submarine Toti. Hands-on displays make the collections engaging for children as well as adults.
A monastery turned science museum
The museum occupies a former 16th-century Olivetan monastery on Via San Vittore. Its collections cover science, technology and industry, from historical instruments and manufacturing to modern space exploration. The scale and range mean you can follow a particular interest or move between subjects, including energy, communications, transport and physics.
The galleries are spread across several areas, so a quick visit will leave plenty unseen. Plan at least two to three hours, and longer if you intend to read the displays closely. A weekday can be a quieter choice than a weekend, when school groups may add noise to some rooms.
Leonardo’s inventions in model form
The Leonardo gallery presents models reconstructed from his drawings, alongside reproductions of his paintings. The engineering designs include machines and mechanisms that visitors can examine at close range; some displays use working models and animated explanations to show how an idea operates. Together, they give space to Leonardo’s work as an inventor and engineer as well as an artist.
The gallery is one part of a much larger museum. Set aside time for it, but leave room for the transport, industrial and space collections if you want a broader view of the exhibits.
From railways to space
Transport is a major thread through the collections. The rail displays include historic locomotives and carriages, while the air and naval galleries bring together aircraft and maritime exhibits. The submarine Toti is among the most distinctive displays, and advance tickets are recommended if you want to visit it.
The museum also covers space exploration, astronomy, energy, metalworking, communications and food research. Its space collection includes lunar material and exhibits connected with spaceflight. Hands-on activities in some areas give children a way to engage with the science, though the amount of written explanation varies between exhibits.
Planning your visit
The range of subjects suits families and adults with different interests, but the museum’s size calls for a little planning. If you have limited time, follow the museum’s suggested route rather than trying to see every gallery. For a longer visit, choose a few areas to explore in depth and allow for the walk between the separate collections.
There is no café inside, though vending machines provide refreshments. Bring a snack or arrange a meal outside the museum if you expect to stay for several hours. Ticket discounts for visitors under 26 are mentioned in the available information; check the museum’s official website for current ticket details.
Perguntas frequentes
How long should I spend at the museum?
Allow at least 2 to 3 hours. You may need longer to explore the collections and read the displays in detail.
Can you visit the submarine Toti?
The submarine is part of the museum’s displays. Advance tickets are recommended if you want to visit it.
Is there a café inside the museum?
There is no café inside. Vending machines provide refreshments, so plan to eat elsewhere or bring a snack.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes. The collections include hands-on and interactive exhibits, with subjects such as transport, space and Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions.
