Museo di fisica dell'Università di Napoli Federico II
University museum of historic scientific instruments, from Torricelli's lens to X-ray tubes, in the former refectory of the Jesuits.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museo di Fisica was founded in 2000 to preserve the historic instruments of the former Physics Institute of the University Federico II. It is housed in the former refectory of the Collegio Massimo of the Jesuits, a hall designed around 1680 by Dionisio Lazzari. After restoration in 2003–2004, which included the original walnut furnishings and the 16th-century altarpiece with the Circumcision of Jesus by Marco Pino da Siena, the museum was opened to the public on 28 January 2005.
Since 2012 it has been part of the Centro Musei delle Scienze Naturali e Fisiche. The collections comprise around 800 instruments, mostly purchased in the 19th and early 20th centuries from English, French and German makers, as well as prototypes by Italian craftsmen, including a group of Neapolitan craftsmen. They come from the University's physics cabinet, from the Bourbon physics cabinet and from the instruments of the physicist Macedonio Melloni.
The display occupies about 640 m² in four rooms. Among the most important pieces are a lens by Torricelli, a marine compass, a camera lucida and instruments by Luigi Palmieri.
Highlights
- Objective lens of Evangelista Torricelli (1654)
- Optical bench and instruments of Macedonio Melloni
- Instruments of the Bourbon physics cabinet
- Instruments of Luigi Palmieri
- Hall of the former Jesuit refectory
Permanent exhibition
- Collezione permanente di strumenti di fisica – Around 800 historic instruments from the university, Bourbon and Melloni collections, including the Torricelli lens.
- Founded
- 2000
- Operated by
- Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II – Centro Musei delle Scienze Naturali e Fisiche
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1.50Young people |
| Children & teens | €1.50free up to age 4 · Reduced ticket for young people; free admission for children under 5 |
| Seniors | freeFree admission for people over 70 |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities accompanied by a companion |
| Students & apprentices | freeFree admission for university students |
| Groups | €1.50 per personTicket for students in school groups; booking required |
| Families | €5Family ticket for one museum |
| Cumulative ticket for 2 museums (standard) | €3.50Reduced: €2 |
| Cumulative ticket for 4 museums (standard) | €4.50Reduced: €3 |
| Cumulative ticket for 5 museums (standard) | €6Reduced: €4 |
Free admission also for members of ANMS and ICOM. 20% discount with Artecard and Selecard, 25% discount with Extramann on the five-museum ticket. Family ticket: €7 for 2 museums, €8 for 4 museums, €10 for 5 museums. From 1 March 2025, cash is no longer accepted: payment is by card only (POS).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- 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
The entrances to the museums in the Casa del Salvatore complex, including that of Physics, have architectural barriers; for specific needs it is advisable to contact the booking service before your visit.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €5 · Family ticket for one museum |
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
Family tickets, educational workshops for schools and two-hour birthday parties are available.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Metro linea 1, fermata Università
Metro line 1, Università stop; from Piazza Garibaldi, bus 151, 602 or R2; from Piazzale Tecchio, bus 151 or metro line 2 to Piazza Cavour or Montesanto.
The entrances are at Via Mezzocannone 8 and through the monumental portal on Via Paladino (Cortile degli Studi).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Single ticket office and information at Via Mezzocannone 8, ground floor. Guided tours are offered by an external company; for individuals and groups, booking is compulsory by telephone on +39 081 253 7587 during opening hours. Guided tours and educational workshops are available for schools. |
