Tempio Voltiano

About the museum

The Tempio Voltiano was conceived as the home for the originals and reconstructions of Alessandro Volta’s scientific instruments after the disastrous fire of 1899 that destroyed the pavilions of the Grande Esposizione set up in Como for the centenary of the invention of the voltaic pile. It was commissioned and financed by the industrialist Francesco Somaini, who entrusted the design to the Como architect Federico Frigerio, and it was inaugurated in 1928.

The building has a large circular hall topped by a dome lit by a large velarium, with a neoclassical architecture reminiscent of the Pantheon. The statues of Science and Faith on either side of the entrance are by the twins Carlo and Luigi Rigola, while the interior reliefs with scenes from Volta’s life are by Pietro Clerici.

The permanent exhibition is arranged in 15 historic display cases with 234 objects. On the raised ground floor are the instruments linked to Volta’s studies, from the voltaic pile to electrical phenomena and the study of gases. The upper floor is devoted to the life of the scientist and to the honours he received, with original decorations, the 10,000-lire banknote that depicted the Temple, and themes of the 1899 Exhibition and of the 1927 International Congress of Physicists.

Highlights

• Original scientific instruments of Alessandro Volta, from the voltaic pile to the gas experiments
• 15 historic display cases with 234 objects
• Neoclassical circular hall with dome and velarium
• Original honours of Volta and documents on the 1927 Congress of Physicists
• Location on the shore of Lake Como

Permanent exhibition

• Gli strumenti di Alessandro Volta – Fifteen historic display cases with scientific instruments linked to the voltaic pile, electrology and the study of gases, plus a floor dedicated to Volta’s life and honours.

Founded

1928

Operated by

Comune di Como (Musei Civici)

Visitors per year

approx. 22,641

Admission & discounts

Fees according to the Como municipality’s price schedule for the Pinacoteca civica and the Tempio Voltiano. Free admission also for one teacher per 15 pupils, journalists and tour guides with ID card, ICOM members and holders of the Abbonamento Musei Lombardia. Combined tickets and cards are available: the CoMmUnity card for residents of Como and the province (365 days, unlimited access to the Pinacoteca, the Tempio Voltiano and the Cathedral) and the Como Art pass (72 hours). Purchase at the ticket office (cash or card) or online.

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

A lift gives access to the exhibition spaces for people with reduced mobility. On the basement floor there are toilets reserved for people with disabilities, but the stairs to the basement are narrow (less than 1.20 m) and have high, fan-shaped steps. There is a car park with reserved spaces along Viale Vittorio Veneto. The museum app has an audio guide function useful for blind and partially sighted visitors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Baby changing facilities

There is a nursery with a baby-changing table on the basement floor. Workshops and visits for children and families are organised periodically. The card game “Volta... la carta!”, with augmented reality content via the app and designed for children aged 8 to 13, is on sale for €12.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the lakeshore, at the end of Viale Guglielmo Marconi, and can be reached on foot following the signs.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The central hall can be used as a space for lectures or cultural events outside opening hours, subject to assessment by the management and payment of a fee.

Plan your visit