The museum occupies the former site of the 'Ospedale di San Francesco', which functioned as a hospital from 1414 until the late 20th century.
Padua is historically significant for its 'Anatomical Theatre', the oldest permanent one in the world, located nearby at the Palazzo Bo.
The museum features a 'Great Machine,' an interactive installation that allows visitors to explore the human body's systems through large-scale models.
Many exhibits are dedicated to the work of Andreas Vesalius, who revolutionized the study of human anatomy in the 16th century while teaching at the University of Padua.
MUSME is a science museum located in the historic 15th-century San Francesco Hospital building in Padua. It focuses on the history of medicine, tracing the evolution of medical knowledge from ancient times to modern clinical practice. The museum is designed as an interactive, hands-on space where visitors can explore human anatomy and physiological functions. The centerpiece of the museum is a large, suspended human model that serves as an interactive anatomical installation. Exhibits are organized chronologically and thematicially, covering the history of the University of Padua’s medical faculty. Digital installations and touchscreens are integrated throughout the three floors to demonstrate complex medical concepts. The building itself reflects the history of healthcare in the region, transitioning from a medieval hospital to a state-of-the-art exhibition center. It emphasizes the scientific discoveries that took place in Padua, such as the early developments in anatomy and surgery.
The central atrium featuring the large, suspended interactive human model.
Interact with the digital displays, as they provide the most detailed context for the physical artifacts.
Allocate extra time for the top floor, which contains the most advanced interactive stations.
Check the museum's digital archive stations for virtual dissections.
Do not rush through the lower floors; the historical context presented there is essential for understanding the interactive exhibits upstairs.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
