🧐If the words noir, alchemy, criminology, atavism, anatomy also arouse an archaic interest in you...well, then you can't miss the museum dedicated to the precursor of criminology, namely Cesare Lombroso.💀
But who was Cesare Lombroso?
Let us discover together this interesting 19th century figure and his contributions:
Cesare Lombroso (1835-1909) was a man of many faces: physician, scientist, jurist, criminologist, anthropologist and sociologist and one of the most important scientists of the 19th century. Born in Verona, he studied medicine in Padua and later specialised in psychiatry and forensic medicine. His scientific career developed mainly in Turin, where he worked as a university professor and director of the Institute of Forensic Medicine.
He became famous mainly for his theories on the criminal nature of man, which revolutionised modern criminology, according to which criminals are different from normal people on a physical, mental and moral level.
He argued that criminals carried atavistic characteristics, i.e. elements that belonged to primitive humanity and had survived in some individuals.
He developed the atavism theory by observing inmates in Italian prisons, noting that many of them had somatic traits that made them resemble primitive populations, such as short stature, long arms, a low, protruding forehead, a large nose and large ears. According to Lombroso, these characteristics were a sign of a return to the primordial nature of man, which led to criminality.
He was the first to argue that criminality was a form of mental illness and that criminals should be treated with therapeutic methods rather than punished. He proposed the use of techniques such as hypnosis and occupational therapy to treat criminals and reduce their tendency to delinquency.
🤚 Interesting character 🧐
He has always fascinated me a lot, so much so that I absolutely recommend you go and see his museum.
The museum dedicated to him:
What the Cesare Lombroso museum offers
The museum is located near the Valentino Park.
It houses a large collection of Lombroso's exhibits, documents and personal items. The collection is divided into various sections, which tell the story of Lombroso's life, career and theories, offering visitors an interactive and engaging experience.
Among the most interesting sections of the museum are the criminology section, which displays objects used in research on criminals, and the anthropology section, which offers a detailed view of Lombroso's collection of human skulls. There are also sections dedicated to forensic medicine and forensic psychiatry, where it is possible to discover the studies and research of the illustrious doctor.
In addition, the museum organises special events, temporary exhibitions and guided tours, which offer an even deeper perspective on Lombroso's life and work.
In conclusion, the Cesare Lombroso Museum in Turin is a unique experience for lovers of history, science and culture. Lombroso's collection of exhibits, documents and personal items offers a unique opportunity to discover the life and work of one of the most important scholars of the 19th century, and to appreciate his contribution to modern criminology.
If you are in Turin, don't miss the opportunity to visit this extraordinary museum.
Where to buy tickets for the Cesare Lombroso Museum:
Opening hours
Monday to Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (last admission 5.30 p.m.; closed on Sundays)
Prices (cash payment)
€ 5,00 full price
€ 3,00 reduced
Combined ticket for admission to three museums (Museo Lombroso, Museo di Anatomia umana and Museo della Frutta)
€ 10,00 full price
€ 6,00 reduced
Free admission every Wednesday of the year and for holders of the Abbonamento Musei Torino Piemonte and Torino+Piemonte Card (www.abbonamentomusei.it)
Reduced admission: visitors over 65 years of age and between 10 and 18 years old; university students (non-UK), upon presentation of their university ID card; ANMS (Associazione Nazionale Musei Scientifici) and FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) members; groups upon reservation.
Guided tour € 35.00 (1 hour). To book, call Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (tel. +39 011 6708195).
Online:
How to get to the Cesare Lombroso museum:
The best solution is definitely the metro: from Autaebela the Monte Grappa stop and from Citmabel the XVIII Dicembre stop.
The direction to take will be Lingotto and the Nizza stop from here continue on foot for 500 metres on via Gaetano Donizetti.
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