# Museo Galileo — Florence, Italy

> The Museo Galileo in Florence is dedicated to the history of science, housed in Palazzo Castellani on Piazza dei Giudici beside the Uffizi. Founded in 1930 as the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, it was renamed in 2010 to honour Florence's most famous scientist.

## Visitor facts
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Tuesday until 1:00 PM)
- Admission: €10 standard admission
- Address: Piazza dei Giudici, 1, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
- Time needed: 1.5–2 hours
- Official website: https://www.museogalileo.it/en/
- Facts verified: 2026-06-30

## Highlights
- Galileo's Telescopes — Galileo Galilei · c. 1609–1610
- Galileo's Middle Finger — Relic · removed 1737
- Armillary Sphere — Antonio Santucci · 1593
- Terrestrial and Celestial Globes — Vincenzo Coronelli · 1693

## FAQ
**Is the museum on the Arno?**
Yes, it sits next to the Uffizi on the river.

**Are family workshops available?**
Yes, the museum runs hands-on science workshops on weekends.

**How long should I spend at Museo Galileo?**
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.

**What is Museo Galileo best known for?**
Founded in 1930, the museum is dedicated to the scientific instruments collected by the Medici and Lorraine grand dukes of Tuscany. Key highlights include Galileo's original telescopes, Galileo's middle finger relic, Mercator and Vincenzo Coronelli globes.

**How do I get tickets for Museo Galileo?**
€10 standard admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.museogalileo.it/en/

**Is Galileo's middle finger really on display?**
Yes — it is displayed in a reliquary-style glass container in the Trophy Room, alongside other Galileo relics.

**Is the museum suitable for children?**
Yes — interactive displays and the telescope collection engage older children. Allow about 90 minutes.

**Is it on the Arno riverbank?**
Yes — Palazzo Castellani sits on Piazza dei Giudici, one block from the Arno between the Uffizi and the Biblioteca delle Nazioni.


Source: https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/museo-galileo/ — World Museum Guide, independent and ad-free.