MicroMostra setup, with panels illustrating ancient anatomical drawings
Notes for a journey into the beauty of the human body

9 June 2023 – 24 September 2023

Inaugurated on the occasion of the Night of Archives Festival (the 2023 theme was “Carnet de voyage”), the exhibition led through papers and documents not usually on display which demonstrate the extraordinary centuries-long journey to attempt to capture and describe the beauty of the human body and its structures. The “journey into the beauty of the human body” that doctors and anatomy scholars undertook was mostly solitary; however, during the crossing, these extraordinary men found invaluable help in peculiar and perhaps unexpected allies: artists.

Custodian of Memory Exhibition, with panels illustrating the Museum's historical displays
Keeper of Memory: the University History Museum in the Central Building of the University

28 October 2022 – 28 February 2023

The University History Museum is almost a century old and houses objects, volumes and documents that illustrate to the history of the Alma Ticinensis. The “Keeper of Memory” exhibition was therefore dedicated to the origins of the Museum, the cultural context in which its establishment was first planned and the long path that led to the growth of the collections currently showcased.

Table with mathematical models in plaster and other materials
Touching geometry: the collection of mathematical models of Pavia University

26 September – 7 October 2022

On the occasion of Sharper Night 2022, the History Museum and the Department of Mathematics held the conference: “Touching geometry: the collection of mathematical models of Pavia University”; the conference was accompanied by a small exhibition of mathematical models of curves and surfaces, which in their symmetry proved to be extremely fascinating and capable of helping the visitor discover geometric properties and reveal hidden stories.

Antique wooden microscope and historical Marcelli Malpighii book
MICRO-exhibition: hidden heritage of historical microscopes

26 February – 31 March 2022

An intinerary dedicated to microscopy, with instruments belonging to Antonio Scarpa, Bartolomeo Panizza, Giovanni Antonio Scopoli, Camillo Golgi and Unipv students. Many of these instruments were purchased from the famous manufacturer Giovan Battista Amici.
Through objects of great beauty, visitors discovered different models of microscopes and their key role in several turning points in the history of science.

Sepia colored image of several pictures of medical rooms displayed on a table covered with a black cloth
Violet's disease. Carlo Forlanini and the first victory over tuberculosis

20 ottobre 2018 – 23 marzo 2019

The exhibition celebrated Carlo Forlanini on the centenary of his death; Forlanini was the first clinician to introduce an effective treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis: the artificial pneumothorax, first presented in 1882. From that moment, Forlanini worked tirelessly to further develop his technique; he designed the tools needed himself, often consulting with his engineer brother, Enrico, and receiving support from his brother Giuseppe, head physician of the Maggiore Hospital in Milan.

Poster of the Sovereign of Sciences exhibition, dedicated to Maria Theresa of Austria
Previous exhibitions

from April 2018 to December 2015

Find out more about our previous exhibitions on the dedicated webpage.