Città della Scienza
Science centre of the University of Catania in a former sulphur refinery, with interactive exhibits built on the principle of “vietato non toccare” (literally “forbidden not to touch”, i.e. hands-on).
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Città della Scienza in Catania is the science centre of the University of Catania. It stands in the Ciminiere district, the city's nineteenth-century industrial hub, inside a former sulphur refinery of the late 19th century: a building that bears witness to the industrial architecture linked to the sulphur economy, which employed around 40,000 people in Sicily between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After years of abandonment and fragmented uses, the University bought the building in 2005 and transformed it into a place for science outreach.
The museum follows the “vietato non toccare” formula: visitors freely choose their own route among interactive exhibits, videos, simulations and virtual reality. Five exhibition islands, created with the university departments, cover the themes Vita, Robot, Bit, Eureka! and Spazio. The offer is completed by workshops-ateliers led by specialist staff, the planetarium, a small virtual reality room and art and science exhibitions.
An elevated gallery, reached by a ramp clad in zinc-titanium, runs through the whole complex like a panoramic corridor and houses some pieces from the university's historical scientific collections. The complex also includes an auditorium with a courtyard, a café and a kid-corner for pre-school children.
Highlights
- Five exhibition islands: Vita, Robot, Bit, Eureka! and Spazio
- Planetarium and virtual reality room
- Former sulphur refinery with elevated gallery
- Pieces from the University of Catania's historical scientific collections
- Kid-corner for the youngest
Permanent exhibition
- Isole espositive: Vita, Robot, Bit, Eureka! e Spazio – Interactive route built on the “vietato non toccare” principle, with exhibits, workshops, planetarium and virtual reality.
- Operated by
- Università degli Studi di Catania
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to the website the venue is fully accessible; for particular needs visitors can contact the museum.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Playground / play area
The kid-corner is an area for early childhood with games, books and activities; the route is interactive and designed for young people and families.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Café
Café with a multipurpose room next to the kid-corner.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours are led by fellows of the Centro Siciliano di Fisica Nucleare e Struttura della Materia and by staff of the university's Area Terza Missione (outreach area). The route includes the planetarium and the MIRI virtual reality room, as well as the university's museum collections. |
