Museo Galileo - Institute and Museum of the History of Science - Free Audio Guide

The Museo Galileo, also known as the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, is located in Florence, Italy, at Piazza dei Giudici 1, near the renowned Uffizi Gallery. Housed in the historic Palazzo Castellani, which dates back to the late 11th century, the museum showcases one of the world's most significant collections of scientific instruments. Founded in 1930 and originally named the Institute of History of Science, the museum was renamed in 2010 in conjunction with the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei's publication of the "Sidereus Nuncius," a pivotal work in astronomy. The collection features instruments from the Medici and Lorena families, highlighting the contributions of these dynasties to the advancement of science. Visitors can explore various thematic rooms, including exhibitions on astronomy, time measurement, and the scientific achievements of Galileo and his contemporaries. The museum also includes a multimedia laboratory and a vast library specializing in the history of science, with approximately 250,000 works, including rare texts from the Medici-Lorena collection. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum plays an active role in promoting scientific culture through research, documentation, and various public events. The Museo Galileo is not only a vital resource for scholars and students but also an engaging destination for anyone interested in the history and evolution of science. In 2023, the museum attracted over 211,000 visitors, reflecting its popularity and relevance in the cultural landscape of Florence.