Museo delle Cere Anatomiche “Clemente Susini”

About the museum

The collection arose from the wish of the viceroy Carlo Felice to equip the University of Cagliari with high-quality anatomical models for teaching. The waxes were commissioned between 1801 and 1805 through Professor Francesco Antonio Boi and made in Florence, in the workshop of La Specola, by the sculptor Clemente Susini (1754–1814), then at the height of his career. They reached Sardinia in 1805 and were first kept in the Museum of Antiquities and Natural History.

In 1923 the waxes were moved to the University’s Institute of Anatomy, where they remained for decades as a study aid. In 1991, on the initiative of Professor Alessandro Riva, they were placed in the Sala Pentagonale of the Cittadella dei Musei, the former military arsenal of Cagliari, where they are still displayed. On that occasion the entire collection was catalogued and fitted with captions.

The 23 waxes are modelled in polychrome wax and mounted on wooden panels; each bears the signature of its author. They reproduce with remarkable realism the results of the dissections carried out by Professor Boi and document the medical knowledge of the time. Some works have been shown at important international exhibitions, including in Paris, London, Tokyo and Milan.

Highlights

• 23 polychrome anatomical waxes signed by Clemente Susini
• Models made in Florence at the beginning of the 19th century for the viceroy Carlo Felice
• On display in the Sala Pentagonale of the Cittadella dei Musei
• Works shown at international exhibitions in Paris, London, Tokyo and Milan

Permanent exhibition

• Raccolta delle cere anatomiche di Clemente Susini – Twenty-three anatomical models in polychrome wax made by Susini between 1801 and 1805, displayed in the Sala Pentagonale.

Operated by

Università degli Studi di Cagliari

Visitors per year

approx. 8,000

Admission & discounts

Tickets are bought at the museum’s ticket office; prices and hours may change, so it is advisable to check in advance.

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 site in the Cittadella dei Musei has architectural barriers; for accessibility information, it is advisable to contact the museum.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the Cittadella dei Musei, at Piazza Arsenale 1, in the Castello district of Cagliari.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The shop sells a short illustrated guide (€1.50) and an illustrated CD-ROM (€10).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit