 Introduction
It is located in the Palazzo Castellani, in the heart of historic Florence. The Istituto carries out an important research programme and possesses an ample library. The collection of the Museum includes around 5000 original items, divided into two fundamental categories: the apparatus and scientific instruments of the Medici and the Lorenese collection of instrument and didactic and experimental devices: optical and mathematical apparatus, including a mechanical writing device, electrical apparatus, instruments for astronomy and cosmography and physical and anatomical models. One room is devoted to Galileo and his discoveries.
 History
From 1574 to 1841 this austere medieval fortress-like building was the headquarters of the Rota court (hence the name of the square, giudici = judges). The Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza [IMSS] was founded in 1927 at the initiative of the University of Florence under the name of Istituto di Storia delle Scienze. In the 18th century the museum gained instruments from the Medici's old collection which until then had been stored in the Uffizi.
 Location
Address: Piazza dei Giudici 1
Transit: Bus: 3, 13, 15, 18, 19, 23, 31, 32.
 Whats Inside
The heart of the collection centres on the natural, physical and mathematical sciences which so interested the Medici and Lorena Grand Dukes. One part of the museum is dedicated solely to the Medici collections, this includes the quadrants, astrolabes, sun dials, compasses and calipers and all the works of art which were created by the great craftsmen of Tuscany and Europe. The original instruments of Galileo are displayed, as are the thermometers of the Cimeno Academy (mid 17th century). One of the other wings is dedicated to mechanical, electrostatic and pneumatic instruments which were prevalent in the Lorena period. Other sections are devoted to medicine and show obstetric models made from wax and terracotta and a collection of surgical instruments.
 Useful information
Telephone: +39 055 265 311
E-mail: imss@imss.fi.it
Open in Summer: June 1 - September 30
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesdays and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Evening Openings
last Thursday of June and August
first Thursday of July and September 9:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Open in Winter: October 1 - May 31
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Sunday Openings
Open the second Sunday of each month 10:00 a.m. - 1:00
Closed: New Year's Day (January 1)
Liberation Day - Italy (April 25)
May Day / Labor Day (May 1)
Feast of St John the Baptist - Christian (June 24)
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Cost: Full price €6.50
Age 7-18 €4.00
Age 0-6 free
Over 65 €4.00
School groups (age 7-15) €3.00
Groups (minimum 15 people) €4.00
Disabled: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
 Links
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