History of Medicine Museum of Padova (MUSME Padova)
This interactive museum in Padua explores the evolution of medical science and humanity's knowledge of the body from ancient times to today through multimedia exhibits, videos, and themed displays. Learn about the history of medicine by visiting the museum’s six halls and anatomical theater.
The Basics
Adults and kids alike enjoy visiting this state-of-the-art museum, housed in a 15th century building that was Padua’s first hospital. The museum, curated in conjunction with the city’s medical school, uses history and technology to show how the modern medical sciences of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and therapeutics developed. Book your ticket in advance to see historic medical instruments and specimens and take part in games and quizzes to test your knowledge of medical history and science.
Combine a visit to MUSME with a Padua walking tour or with a day trip or shore excursion from Venice to take in the Basilica of Saint Anthony, Scrovegni Chapel, and Prato della Valle. Many tours combine a visit to Padua with the nearby Venetian villas on the Brenta riviera.
Things to Know Before You Go
With its interactive, hands-on displays, MUSME is an interesting visit for older kids as well as adults.
All museum displays are translated into English.
The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
Photography is permitted inside the museum.
There is a bookshop and vending machines, but no cafe.
How to Get There
MUSME is located on Via San Francesco in Padua’s historic center, an easy walk from the city’s train station and main attractions. The museum is in a limited traffic area, so park at one of the many parking garages in the city center and reach the museum on foot.
When to Get There
Plan to visit after lunch, as the museum is open afternoons from Tuesday to Friday. On weekends and holidays, MUSME opens in the morning but can be crowded.
The Interactive Exhibits at MUSME
Padua’s Museum of the History of Medicine is considered innovative for its use of technology and interactive exhibits to make the history of medicine captivating. Highlights include the chance to observe microbes and bacteria through a microscope, listen to a heart and lungs, touch reproductions of organs, smell traditional medicinal herbs, and knock on “virtual doors” that open to video presentations by scientific luminaries like Galileo.
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