Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci (Museum of Science and Technology), Northwest Milan

Interactive museum that retraces Italy's scientific & technological evolution

featured in Sights & sites

This museum is a fitting tribute to Leonardo da Vinci, founded in 1953, it is the largest science and technology museum in Italy. Originally a 16th-century Olivetan monastery, it is named after Leonardo da Vinci, the renowned Renaissance intellect, painter, inventor and former resident of Milan.

The halls include one of the most important collections of machine models, based on da Vinci's drawings, that can be handled by visitors. There is also the opportunity to experiment in one of 13 interactive labs or participate in a theatre animation activity.

The museum is a centre for debate and research, a lively gathering place and an active laboratory. One of the most sought after exhibits requiring a guided, helmeted viewing is the Enrico Toti, the first submarine constructed in Italy after WW2.

Visitor comments

"Got two kids 5 and 9. For them the duomo, St. Peter in Rome or St. Marco in Rome are the same. Well so this place with a very Italian touch, lots of good scientific subjects, and interactive material was pretty attractive for all ages. We found the slot of 3 hours to visit the museum too short. So be ready to spend at least 4 hours unless you hate science." - Trip Advisor
"We spent over 6 hours at the museum, and both parents and our 10-year-old found it to be fascinating. A huge variety of topics are covered, and explanations are very detailed in both English and Italian." - Trip Advisor
"We brought my 15-year-old son, 12-year-old son and my 7-year-old niece. We were here 3 hours and they didn't even know it! Lots of cool things to see and tinker with." - Trip Advisor

When to come

Open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00; Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays from 10:00 to 19:00. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Closed on Mondays, December 24th & 25th and January 1st.

How to get passes

Tickets cost 10€. Reduced to 7.50€ for visitors under 25 years old, adults over 65 years old, groups of 10 people or more. Free for children under 3, disabled visitors, tourist guides.