The beauty and realism of anatomical wax models is jaw-dropping. A place to understand the evolution of medical and anatomical studies over the centuries, where art and science blend seamlessly.
The Luigi Rolando Museum of Human Anatomy, together with the nearby Museum of Fruit and the Museum of Criminal Anthropology “Cesare Lombroso” form a unique museum circuit in the world dedicated to the human body, science, and its history.
Inside, you can admire exhibits ranging from a plaster statue of a pregnant woman to detachable brain models, as well as anthropological and primatological collections
The Human Anatomy Museum displays dry and liquid preparations, wax, papier-mâché, and wood models, as well as collections of anthropological, phrenological, and primatological interest.
The collections are housed in a majestic 19th-century hall, with wooden shelves and period display cases that create an atmosphere steeped in history.
The Anatomical Waxes are the museum’s flagship collection. Incredibly realistic and scientifically accurate wax models, created between the 18th and 19th centuries to teach anatomy to medical students.
Comprising over 200 restored works, they represent one of the richest collections in existence and are of great historical, scientific, and artistic interest.
Among the absolute masterpieces
The “Venerini”: A series of life-size statues of deconstructed female bodies, created by Florentine wax modeler Clemente Susini. They are considered the world’s pinnacle of anatomical wax modeling.
Luigi Rolando’s head and brain models, which show the nervous system in meticulous detail.
Hyperrealistic Anatomical Parts: Hundreds of preparations showing muscles, organs, circulatory, and lymphatic systems.
Skeletons and Dry Preparations: A vast collection of human skeletons, mounted in evocative poses, and “dry preparations” (desiccated bones and viscera) showing various pathologies.
The Teratology Collection: section dedicated to teratology (the study of congenital malformations), with human and animal specimens documenting rare and scientifically fascinating cases.
The Popular Pharmacopoeia: a curious collection of votive offerings and objects related to traditional medicine, demonstrating the relationship between science and popular beliefs.
The Historical Arrangement: The main hall, with its original furnishings, is a work of art in itself. The display cases, furniture, and lighting contribute to creating a unique atmosphere.
Cathedral of Science
Thanks to video stations, a printed guide, and a series of in-depth information sheets, the museum can tell the story of its collections, including one of the richest collections of wax models, discuss scientific discoveries, and recall events related to the activity of the Turin anatomical school over the last three hundred years.
With a single ticket, at the Palazzo degli Istituti Anatomici, in addition to the Anatomy Museum, you can also visit the Museum of Criminal Anthropology and the Fruit Museum.
Luigi Rolando
Corso Massimo d’Azeglio 52
Turin
Piedmont – Italy
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