Galileos Museum
Galileos Museum is situated in the historical Piazza dei Giudici. It is close to the River Arno and next door to the Uffizi Gallery.
Galileos Museum collection is really well demonstrated in a way that helps you comprehend the role of Florence in renaissance science and discovery. It also will show you progression of science and knowledge over a few centuries of human history.
The collection of original scientific instruments is impressive. It shows the development of instruments to explore time, space, temperature, astronomy, physics and medicine. What makes this visit to Galileos Museum even better is the excellent layout, graphics and demonstrations. The video animations on TV screens next to some of the displays were world top notch. The instruments are often works of art in themselves.
The telescopes on the second floor are examples of early refractors and reflectors. There is a vast amount of historical electrical gear here also. There is plenty of chemical stuff and atmospheric science. Some of the first thermometers and barometers are in here. I found the maps to be extremely alluring. A specific map will surely astonish you. It is the map of the known world, back when they thought it was flat and to be one piece of earth.
There is a terrific collection of antique bicycles in the lower level. Galileo’s telescopes are located in the upper levels. They also have Galileo’s middle finger on display and another display with his thumb and forefinger of his right hand and a tooth.
I really enjoyed the astrolabe collections. It is a key astronomical instrument. They used this instrument to tell the time, measure the heights of stars and buildings, and for many other important calculations and observations.
Galileos Museum is a terrific place to visually experience the evolution of scientific instruments and ideas. It was a pleasant change from the art museums. I was just awe-struck to realize how advanced these scientists were back in the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries. It is certainly worth seeing if you have an interest any aspect of science.
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Phone number: +39 055 265311
Address: Piazza dè Giudici, 1, 50122 Florence, Italy
Hours: Tuesday 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Wednesday through Monday 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
