Museo della bilancia
Museum devoted to the history of weighing, founded in Campogalliano in 1989, with more than six thousand instruments, documents and prints and a specialised library.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museo della Bilancia was founded on the initiative of the Municipality of Campogalliano, in an area that has been producing scales since 1860. The first acquisitions date from 1983 and the museum opened in 1989, by which time the collection was already substantial. Since 1997 it has occupied its present site in the centre of the town.
The collections comprise more than six thousand items, including weighing instruments, documents, prints and photographic reproductions, many of them donated by institutions and private individuals. The museum also houses a specialised library and carries out research and restoration work.
In 1991 it became the National Documentation Centre on Scales. In 2009 it received the “Museo di qualità” (quality museum) recognition from the Istituto per i beni culturali (Institute for Cultural Heritage) of the Emilia-Romagna Region, in 2018 the Premio Cultura & Turismo of the Touring Club Italiano and in 2022 accreditation to the Sistema museale nazionale (national museum system).
Highlights
- More than 6,000 weighing instruments, documents and prints
- National Documentation Centre on Scales
- Specialised library
- Scientific activities and workshops for schools
- Virtual visit online
Permanent exhibition
- Collezione permanente – Weighing instruments, documents, prints and photographic reproductions on the history of weighing.
- Founded
- 1989
- Operated by
- Comune di Campogalliano
- Visitors per year
- approx. 9,152
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50Adults over 65, young people aged 7 to 18, university students with a card, groups of more than 10 people and holders of certain camping and travel club cards |
| Children & teens | €2.50free up to age 6 · Free admission from 0 to 6 years; reduced rate from 7 to 18 years. |
| Seniors | €2.50Over 65s. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and their companions. |
| Students & apprentices | €2.50University students with a card. |
| Groups (11+ people) | €2.50 per personGroups of more than 10 people. |
| Families | €5Families with children: up to 2 adults and 3 minors. |
Free admission: Free admission on Saturday mornings and on the first Sunday of every month (guided tour included).
Free admission also for residents of Campogalliano, cyclists, journalists and accompanying adults at MagicaScienza events. Guided tours are not included in the ticket.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- 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
The museum has no architectural barriers, a lift to the first floor, accessible toilets and reserved spaces in the car park in front of the entrance. Visit routes can be adapted to different ages and needs on prior contact with the museum; some school routes are designed for deaf or blind students. A virtual visit is available online.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €5 · Families with children: up to 2 adults and 3 minors. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
The museum offers science workshops for young people (for example “Magica Scienza”), birthday parties with activities and a family ticket.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Car park in front of the entrance with spaces reserved for people with disabilities.
- Accessible parking
The museum is in the centre of Campogalliano, at via Garibaldi 34/a.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The museum has a bookshop and a specialised library.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
The multi-purpose hall can be hired on request.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours and workshops, with routes for schools of all ages on history, science and experimentation; guided tours are not included in the ticket. |
