Science Festival 2025 – Genoa, Italy

Background and History

The Festival della Scienza, launched in 2003, is one of Europe’s premier science communication events, held annually in Genoa, Italy. Organized by the Associazione Festival della Scienza, it transforms the city into a hub of scientific discovery, uniting researchers, scientists, artists, and the public. The 23rd edition in 2025, themed “Intrecci” (Interweavings), explores connections across disciplines—neurosciences, quantum technologies, AI, sustainability, and more.

With over 200,000 attendees in recent years, including 25,000 students, the festival offers 250+ events, from lectures by Nobel laureates to hands-on labs, fostering curiosity for all ages. Directed by Domenico Coviello, a geneticist with international credentials, the festival emphasizes accessibility and education, rooted in Genoa’s maritime and scientific heritage.

Event Highlights

The Festival della Scienza 2025, running from October 23 to November 2, 2025, features a diverse program under the “Intrecci” theme, designed by artists NastPlas to reflect connections in nature, science, and society. Highlights include:

• Opening Lecture: Guido Tonelli, CERN physicist and Higgs boson contributor, delivers a lectio magistralis challenging concepts of matter.
• Nobel Laureate Talks: Katalin Karikó (2023, mRNA vaccines), Michel Mayor (2019, exoplanets), and Sir Paul Nurse (2001, cell cycle regulation) share insights in early festival days.
• Exhibitions:
  • Quantum Insights (INFN): Explores quantum mechanics, celebrating the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
  • Large Binocular Telescope (INAF): Photographic exhibit marking 20 years of the world’s largest telescope.
  • Viaggio al centro dell’atomo (Centro Fermi): Showcases Enrico Fermi’s fission experiments with original tools.
  • Infiniti intrecci (University of Genoa): Interactive exploration of infinity in math, art, and philosophy.
  • Terra – Il Pianeta in 5 sensi (INGV): Multisensory journey through geophysical phenomena.
  • Proboscis (IIT): Features “Eleanor,” the first soft robotic proboscis inspired by nature.
  • Grande come un virus (CNR, IED): Immersive dive into the nanoscopic world of viruses.
  • Semplice e complesso (CNR): Interactive exhibit revealing science in everyday objects.
• Workshops and Labs: Over 250 animators, including university students and researchers, lead hands-on labs on AI, robotics, and sustainability for all ages.
• Performances and Talks: 250+ events, including conferences, live experiments, and multimedia shows, held in museums, theaters, and historic palaces.
• Educational Focus: Free activities for schools and families, with videos and worksheets for replicating experiments at home or in class.

Dates and Duration

• Dates: October 23 – November 2, 2025
• Duration: 11 days

Main Address

• Primary Venue and Operational Office: Palazzo Ducale, Piazza Matteotti, 9, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
• Association Office: Associazione Festival della Scienza, Corso Perrone 24, 16152 Genova GE, Italy

All Venues

The festival spans Genoa’s historic and cultural landmarks:

• Palazzo Ducale: Piazza Matteotti, 9, 16123 Genova GE, Italy. Central hub for conferences, exhibitions, and ticket sales.
• Museo di Storia Naturale Giacomo Doria: Via Brigata Liguria, 9, 16121 Genova GE, Italy. Hosts science exhibits and labs.
• Acquario di Genova: Ponte Spinola, 16128 Genova GE, Italy. Features marine science events.
• Galata Museo del Mare: Calata de Mari, 1, 16126 Genova GE, Italy. Maritime-themed exhibits and talks.
• Museo di Palazzo Reale: Via Balbi, 10, 16126 Genova GE, Italy. Hosts cultural-science crossover events.
• Piazza delle Feste (Porto Antico): Calata Falcone Borsellino, 16124 Genova GE, Italy. Open-air performances and workshops.
• Teatro della Tosse: Piazza Renato Negri, 6, 16123 Genova GE, Italy. Venue for multimedia shows.
• Other Locations: Libraries, cultural centers, and public squares across Genoa, to be confirmed (check www.festivalscienza.it).

Contact Information

• Phone: +39 010 6598795 (general inquiries), +39 010 8934340 (info line)
• Email: info@festivalscienza.it (general), ufficiostampa@festivalscienza.it (press)
• Press Contacts: Chiara Tasso (chiara.tasso@festivalscienza.it), Giulio Oglietti (giulio.oglietti@festivalscienza.it)
• Website: www.festivalscienza.it
• Tourist Info: www.visitgenoa.it
• Address: Associazione Festival della Scienza, Corso Perrone 24, 16152 Genova GE, Italy
• VAT: 01378140998

Ticket Information

• Pricing (1 EUR ≈ 1.10 USD, based on 2024 rates, subject to confirmation):
  • Daily Tickets:
    • Full: €13 (~$14.30)
    • Reduced (under 18, university students, seniors): €11 (~$12.10)
    • Very Reduced (young children, other categories): €9 (~$9.90)
    • Children 0–5: Free
  • Festival Passes:
    • Standard Pass: €21 (~$23.10)
    • Reduced Standard Pass: €18 (~$19.80)
    • Very Reduced Standard Pass: €12 (~$13.20)
    • Premium Pass (includes free reservations): €30 (~$33.00)
  • School Group Tickets: €9 (~$9.90) per student, accompanying teachers often free
  • Early Bird (if offered in 2025):
    • Premium Pass: €18 (~$19.80)
    • Standard Pass: €14 (~$15.40)
  • Additional Fees: €1 (~$1.10) per event reservation; online pre-sale fee ~€1 (~$1.10)
• How to Purchase:
  • Online: Available from early October 2025 via www.festivalscienza.it or www.vivaticket.it.
  • In-Person: At Infopoints like Palazzo Ducale (Piazza Matteotti, 9, 16123 Genova GE, hours typically 10 AM–6 PM) or by phone (+39 010 8934340).
  • On-Site: Tickets and reservations at venue box offices, subject to availability.
• Discounts: Reduced rates for students, seniors, and groups. Premium Pass holders avoid reservation fees. School groups receive tailored pricing.
• Note: Prices and availability may vary. Check www.festivalscienza.it for updates.

Cultural Experience

The Festival della Scienza transforms Genoa into a vibrant stage for scientific exploration, set against its historic port and Renaissance palaces. The “Intrecci” theme, visualized by NastPlas, celebrates interdisciplinary connections—from DNA to neural networks—through immersive exhibits and talks. Venues like Palazzo Ducale and Porto Antico blend science with Genoa’s maritime legacy. With 250+ animators guiding visitors, the festival fosters curiosity, making complex topics like quantum physics and sustainability accessible. Free educational activities and family-friendly labs ensure inclusivity, while Nobel laureate appearances add global prestige.

Food and Drinks

Genoa’s Ligurian cuisine enhances the festival experience:

• Pesto Genovese: Basil pesto pasta (~$8.80). Try at Trattoria Rosmarino (Salita del Fondaco, 30, 16123 Genova GE).
• Focaccia Genovese: Savory flatbread (~$3.30). Available at Focaccia e Dintorni (Via di Ravecca, 6R, 16128 Genova GE).
• Farinata: Chickpea pancake (~$4.40). Enjoy at Antica Sciamadda (Via San Giorgio, 14R, 16128 Genova GE).
• Aperitivo: Spritz or Vermentino wine with snacks (~$6.60). Visit Le Rune (Salita Pallavicini, 1R, 16123 Genova GE).
• Local Wines: Pigato or Rossese (~$5.50–$8.80/glass). Available at Cantine Matteotti (Piazza San Matteo, 14R, 16123 Genova GE).

Family and Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: The festival is ideal for families, offering free educational activities, interactive labs, and play zones for children. Videos and worksheets on www.festivalscienza.it guide parents and teachers in replicating experiments at home, covering topics like physics and biology.
• School Programs: Tailored workshops for school groups, with €9 (~$9.90) tickets and free teacher entry. Activities are designed for all ages, from kindergarten to high school.
• Accessibility: Major venues like Palazzo Ducale and Acquario di Genova are wheelchair-accessible. Contact info@festivalscienza.it for accommodations, such as reserved seating or guided tours.

Free Educational Activities for Families and Schools

The Festival della Scienza offers a robust program of free activities designed to engage families and schools, accessible via www.festivalscienza.it. These include:

• Video Tutorials and Worksheets: Simple, interactive experiments replicable at home or in class. Each activity provides:
  • Necessary Materials: Everyday items like paper, water, or household tools.
  • Tools to Use: Basic equipment, e.g., scissors or containers.
  • Assembly Instructions: Step-by-step guides for experiments.
  • What to Do/Observe: Clear instructions to explore scientific phenomena.
  • A Little Extra: Fun facts or extensions to deepen understanding.
  • Examples: Building a mini-volcano, exploring light refraction, or creating simple circuits.
• On-Site Labs: Free workshops at venues like Museo di Storia Naturale, led by animators, covering robotics, chemistry, and ecology.
• Online Resources: Downloadable materials for teachers and parents to introduce scientific concepts, aligned with the “Intrecci” theme.
• Family Events: Free play zones with hands-on demos, live experiments, and storytelling sessions at Piazza delle Feste or Palazzo Ducale.

To receive updates or additional resources, subscribe to the festival’s newsletter at www.festivalscienza.it or email info@festivalscienza.it.

Getting There

• By Air: Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA, 8 km, ~$22 taxi or $6.60 bus to Genova Piazza Principe).
• By Train: Genova Piazza Principe or Genova Brignole, served by Trenitalia, are 5–10 minutes from Palazzo Ducale ($5.50 taxi or $1.65 bus, Line 20). High-speed trains from Milan (~1.5 hr, $16.50) or Rome (~4 hr, $44) connect to Genoa.
• By Car: A7/A10 Motorway to Genova. Park near Porto Antico (~$2.20–$5.50/day). Genoa’s center is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL), so check restrictions.
• By Public Transport: From Genova Piazza Principe, take bus Line 20 to Piazza Caricamento (5 min, $1.65), a short walk to Palazzo Ducale.
• On Foot: Festival venues are compact, within a 10–20-minute walk from Piazza Caricamento or Porto Antico.

Program Overview

The 2025 program, spanning 250+ events, includes:

• Conferences: Talks by Nobel laureates (Karikó, Mayor, Nurse) and scientists on AI, neurosciences, sustainability, and quantum technologies.
• Exhibitions: Interactive displays like Quantum Insights, Proboscis, and Grande come un virus at Palazzo Ducale and museums.
• Workshops: Hands-on labs for all ages, led by 250+ animators, covering robotics, physics, and ecology.
• Performances: Multimedia shows and live experiments at Teatro della Tosse and Piazza delle Feste.
• School Programs: Tailored workshops and free activities for students, with downloadable resources.
• Guided Tours: Explore Genoa’s scientific heritage, including historic labs and port facilities.

Notable Features

• Nobel Laureate Presence: High-profile talks by Karikó, Mayor, and Nurse elevate the festival’s global stature.
• “Intrecci” Theme: Visualized by NastPlas, it connects science, art, and society through interdisciplinary events.
• Educational Outreach: Free resources and school programs make science accessible to young learners.
• Genoa’s Setting: Historic venues and the port create a unique backdrop for scientific discovery.

Accommodation Tips

• Hotel Bristol Palace: Via XX Settembre, 35, 16121 Genova GE (~$110–$220/night). Elegant, 5-minute walk to Palazzo Ducale.
• NH Collection Genova Marina: Molo Ponte Calvi, 5, 16124 Genova GE (~$88–$165/night). Near Porto Antico, festival-friendly.
• B&B Genova Centro: Via Roma, 4, 16121 Genova GE (~$66–$110/night). Budget option near venues. Book early, as Genoa fills up during the festival. Check www.visitgenoa.it for packages.

Planning Assistance

• Event Recommendations: Prioritize Nobel laureate talks (early days, Sala Sinopoli) or family-friendly labs at Piazza delle Feste. Exhibits like Proboscis or Grande come un virus are must-sees for interactivity.
• Navigating Tickets: Premium Pass ($33) offers full access and free reservations, ideal for frequent attendees. Daily tickets ($9.90–$14.30) suit shorter visits. Book online from early October to secure spots.
• Exploring Genoa: Between events, visit the Acquario di Genova or stroll Via Garibaldi’s UNESCO-listed palaces. Enjoy focaccia at Porto Antico post-festival.