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Modern science owes a great deal to Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) the Italian scientist, astronomer and mathematician. His discoveries enabled great paradigm shifts in science and paved the way for space travel in the 20th  and 21st Centuries.

This hands-on, interactive exhibition engages visitors by revealing the secrets of Galileo’s groundbreaking science through interactive experiments and exhibits.

Visitors gain insights into how Galileo’s fearless and pioneering work in Science, Physics, and Astronomy four centuries ago has shaped our modern world. The Galileo exhibition provides exciting opportunities for STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) particularly in the fields of:

  • Physics
  • Geometry, Mathematics
  • Astronomy
  • Natural Sciences

On loan from the ‘Museum of Leonardo Da Vinci – Florence’, the exhibition is presented in the following themes:

  • Theme 1 – Astronomy
  • Theme 2 – Simple Machines
  • Theme 3 – Gravity, Motion and Time
  • Theme 4 – Military and Ballistics
  • Theme 5 – The Birth of Experimental Science

The exhibition features the most significant of Galileo’s discoveries including:

Galileo’s Telescope
Galileo was the first person to look at the moon through a telescope. Galileo did not invent the telescope but he was the first to use it systematically to observe celestial objects and record his discoveries. From his observations of the Solar System Galileo challenged the religious and scientific beliefs of the time. Galileo’s science supported Copernicus’ heliocentric (sun-centred) theory that the earth and other planets rotate around the sun.
 
Testing the laws of gravity
Using inclined planes and geometry, Galileo examined the motion of objects under gravity. Ballistics as a science began with Galileo Galilei and his theories remained the basis for artillery manuals throughout the 17th and 18th Centuries.

Even the youngest scientists can have fun with our simple machines lab to learn how yesterday’s science has shaped our modern world!

Interactive experiments include:
Levers and scales
The pendulum and laws of motion
Gears and pulleys

“We believe in bringing the past to life by making museum visits enjoyable, engaging, memorable and inspiring. We understand that these rich learning experiences have the power to transform us, and therefore transform our future.”

– Luigi Rizzo, Founding Director & CEO

Changing Exhibit Hall (in addition to museum admission when applicable)