Jeremy and I had the occasion to go on a field trip to Milano; this time, it was to ride a steam train! (Great excuse, huh?) Anyway, we took the early train on Saturday; the excursion was on Sunday, and we would meet Michael's parents, Jim and Sharon, on Monday afternoon.
This left Saturday afternoon for a trip to the Science and Technology Museum. Tucked away in an obscure part of the city (if you can call anywhere in city center obscure), it was a fascinating and rather characteristic blend of old and new. They had things ranging from models of Leonardi da Vinci's war machines (and other inventions) to displays about particle physics. There were displays of pocket watches and time pieces, as well as an Enigma machine. Don't forget the musical instruments and the recycling exhibit! They also (and for Jeremy, most importantly) have a shed of historic locomotives.
This left Saturday afternoon for a trip to the Science and Technology Museum. Tucked away in an obscure part of the city (if you can call anywhere in city center obscure), it was a fascinating and rather characteristic blend of old and new. They had things ranging from models of Leonardi da Vinci's war machines (and other inventions) to displays about particle physics. There were displays of pocket watches and time pieces, as well as an Enigma machine. Don't forget the musical instruments and the recycling exhibit! They also (and for Jeremy, most importantly) have a shed of historic locomotives.
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| Huge electric generator |
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| This was about 5 feet across |
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| Model apothecary shop |
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| Antique early jacquard loom |
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| The punch cards reminded me of those still used in the Tessitura Pardi! |
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| The museum is housed in a former monastery |
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| Some of the halls can be seen in their earlier manifestation |
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| Including the world's longest sofa... |
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| This long hall was filled with models of da Vinci's designs |
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| this was a dredger, I think, but I loved the little counterweighting pot with arms and legs |
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| Isn't it adorable? This was about 3" tall. |
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| Da Vinci loom design |
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| In the instrument section, from 1826 |
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| The stops, up close |
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| This little guy was about 20" wide |
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| Some sort of weird folding oboe? |
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| This hurdy gurdy was from the 1700s if I remember correctly |
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| Violin from 1799 |
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| They had mock workshops; this one made us think of Cesare's place! |
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| Enigma machine |
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| Punch plate for early logic cards |
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| Reproduction Babbage machine! |
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| Pascal's calculator |
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| Leibniz's version |
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| Wooden pocket watch; isn't the chain fantastic? |
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| Absolutely stunning enamel work |
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| I loved the fan-shaped watch! |
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| Interior of a clock tower |
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| This table clock made me think of Jules Verne! |
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| The ceiling from the clockmaker's workshop |
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| Imagine driving this car to a rally! |
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| The train shed |
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| I find it most amusing that the tax guys have their own helicopters... |
Love,
Alexandra
exciting trip. This is real history.
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