Didactic Mechanisms and Models

The MuseumDidactic displaysMechanism an extensive array of educational equipment, whose older specimens date back to the Royal School of Application for Engineers and Architects, founded in 1866. Over a hundred metal and wooden scale modelsModel of elementary machines and kinematic systems illustrate the working principles of a large number of mechanical systems nowadays still widely used for several applications. Due to its ancient origin a significant part is dedicated to steam engines, illustrating various control system with variable valve timing later reused in many other fields of industry and motoring. Many of these modelsModel was manufactured by esteemed German and Italian firms like Schröder of Darmstadt and Eisentraeger of Milan. Over time, the collection has been gradually expanded to incorporate modern and then contemporary mechanical systems, up to piston engine and turbojet modelsModel. Beyond their historical and collectible value, this heterogeneous collection of models plays a vital role in many educational activities promoted by the Museum for both academic and school students, due to their timeless efficacy on representing fundamental mechanical principles.