THE COLLECTIONS
We invite you to discover the rich heritage of the Museum of Geography at the University of Padua, shaped by over 150 years of academic research and teaching. The artifacts collected since the mid-nineteenth century by the two geographical institutes of the University of Padua- one dedicated to human geography and the other to physical geography – constitute the material core of its collections. Alongside them is an intangible yet vibrant and equally important dimension, made up of stories, people, and practices. Explore the numerous collections of the museum and discover how geographers, yesterday and today, have imagined, represented, and studied our planet.
Atlases and ancient books
A treasure of atlases and ancient books that tell centuries of geographical imaginaries: a unique journey through space and time.
Geographical maps
Discover how the way of imagining and representing the world has changed through the ancient and modern maps of the museum.
Photographs
Over 20,000 photographs from the early twentieth century to the present day offer a unique look at the transformations that have affected our planet.
Globes
A small but precious collection of instruments for the study of the sky and the earth, born from the skill of Dutch and German globemakers starting from the XVII century.
Terrain models
Plaster models of volcanoes and other fascinating areas of our planet, in a rich collection that arises from the encounter between science and art.
Instruments
A collection of about 150 pieces that offers a privileged look at the methodologies and research themes of Padua’s geographers.
Wall maps
From the first historical wall atlases to the detailed thematic plates of the twentieth century, the collection proposes an immersion in a cartographic genre both rigorous and evocative.
Rocks
A small collection of rocks that for over a century has accompanied geography students in exam preparation.
Contemporary art
A recently inaugurated collection that experiments with original encounters between the languages of cartography and art.
Intangible heritage
A particular component of the heritage, which features as its focus the long tradition of outdoor teaching of geography, is today more alive than ever!
RESEARCH AND INITIATIVES ON THE TERRITORY
If you deal with geography and geographical heritage, if these themes simply intrigue you, or if you think that the Museum of Geography can be an ally for initiatives of territorial enhancement, you can start your exploration from this section of the site. Here you will find information on our research projects, the publications that involve us and the numerous initiatives that for years the museum has been conducting with local partners to give value to territories together with their inhabitants.
Discover geographical research and projects involving the Museum of Geography, a bridge between tradition and innovation.
Publications
Read what has been written about the museum’s collections: you will discover scientific articles, informative texts, but also comics and illustrated books.
Projects
Explore the research activities and projects focused on the participatory enhancement of local realities, in which the Museum of Geography is involved.
AtlaSahel
Discover how Europeans have imagined and represented the Sahel over time by exploring the maps and photographs of the AtlaSahel project.
Mapparti
Where cartographic heritage merges with contemporary art to reinvent the way of looking at maps.
HISTORY
Since the nineteenth century the University of Padua has played a crucial role in the development of geographical studies, from which derives a rich heritage of knowledge and tradition. Visit our dedicated page for a journey that from the eighteenth-century chair of Nautical Sciences and Geography will lead you to the birth of the first Museum of Geography in Italy. Discover the history of the Museum of Geography.
DIGITAL MUSEUM
Explore our Virtual Museum for a digital preview of our collections. Embark on a virtual tour, and navigate through maps, podcasts, videos, and many other online resources that will inspire you to discover our museum in person. Check out the offerings below and get inspired for your future visit!
Digital collections
This digital archive offers access to historical and modern maps, documents and images that tell the history of the territory through time. A heritage accessible to all, which enriches the understanding of our world.
Geographical missions
A portal that offers practical and thought-provoking proposals aimed at transforming geographical education into a daily adventure for both children and adults. This initiative stems from the collaboration between the museum and the Italian Association of Geography Teachers.
Web GIS
Explore some of the museum’s collections directly from the map. Immerse yourself in this tool and discover the origin and references of the heritage preserved at the museum.
Podcast
Listen to the geographical podcasts created within the DiSSGeA Department. Immerse yourself in soundscapes and stories to delve into geography with your eyes closed.
Virtual Tour
An interactive experience that allows you to explore our exhibition spaces in detail. Discover our heritage and the stories behind it, conveniently from your device.
OUR TEAM
A museum thrives thanks to the people who care for it, bring it to life, manage it, and share its stories, as well as those who visit, engage with it, and spread the word.
Mauro Varotto
Delegate of the Rector for University Museums and Collections
Mauro Varotto directed the institutionalization phase of the Museum following its scientific planning and covering the role of scientific manager until 2022. He is currently the referent for the participatory Glaciological Campaign and the director of the Museum book series Mappamondi. He coordinates the GEOMUSE working group of the Association of Italian Geographers (AGeI).
Giada Peterle
Scientific Manager
Giada Peterle coordinates research and dissemination projects related to the collections and mission of the Museum, also in collaboration with other institutions. In addition to being the coordinator of the artistic-scientific project MAPPArti and the head of the outreach project CONTESTI, which organizes a series of geo-literary walks each year, Giada is the author of the book “Geography Explained to Children” set in the Museum of Geography.
Chiara Gallanti
Conservator
Chiara Gallanti contributed to the scientific planning of the Museum, dealing with the emergence of heritage and the history of geography at the University of Padua. She currently dedicates herself to the study, conservation, and enhancement of the tangible and intangible collections of the Museum, also through the involvement of thesis students and interns.
Giovanni Donadelli
Curator
Giovanni Donadelli personally followed the institutionalization phases of the Museum contributing to the scientific planning. He deals with the design of exhibitions, events, educational workshops, and scientific dissemination initiatives. He is currently responsible for educational services and the referent for Museum communication.
SCIENTIFIC COMMISSION
The task of transforming the museum into a place of research, innovation, and dissemination, by bringing together expertise, vision, and dedication, falls to the scientific committee, which is composed as follows:
Giada Peterle, Aldino Bondesan, Elena Canadelli, Paolo Mozzi, Lorena Rocca, Mauro Varotto, Chiara Gallanti, Giovanni Donadelli, Francesco Tricomi, Monica Celi.
A TEAM EFFORT
The numerous activities carried out by the Museum could not be realized without the passion, availability, and care of Monica Garbo, Maria Messina, and all our guides who daily welcome visitors and accompany them in discovering the museum.
Our museum can also count on the essential scientific, technical, and administrative support of the Department of Historical and Geographical Sciences and the Ancient World – DiSSGeA, of which it is a part, the University Center for Museums, which supports and coordinates its activities, and the Library of Geography, Economic and Business Sciences, and Periodicals of Ca’ Borin, with which it manages the conservation and enhancement of the book and cartographic heritage.
WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT US
Discover what those who have already explored the Museum of Geography think of us! Read reviews and stories from visitors and scholars and let yourself be inspired by their impressions. Every piece of feedback is valuable and helps us improve and make the museum increasingly engaging and informative.
Have you visited the Museum of Geography?
Share your experience! Your review is precious because it allows us to improve and enrich the experience for all future visitors. Leave a comment on Google, TripAdvisor, or Facebook, or write to us and share your opinion with us.
Your Opinion Matters!
“Excellent welcome, beautiful museum, go without rushing and listen to everything including the video at the end… it’s worth it.”
– Cristina
“Beautiful museum that offers a new approach to geography, not at all boring or academic. Excellent also for developing curiosity, imagination, civic sense, and respect for the environment we live in and for others in children. Great experience!”
– Roberta
“Visited on Sunday with my family, small and welcoming, it’s a truly well-curated and surprising museum. The projection room is very beautiful, it amazed and fascinated us.”
– Alessia