Festival della Scienza 2026 — Genoa’s Celebration of Science & Discovery

Since 2003, the Festival della Scienza has been one of Europe’s most important science communication events, drawing researchers, Nobel laureates, and curious visitors of all ages to Genoa each autumn. The 2026 edition runs from October 22 to November 1, transforming the city’s historic palaces, museums, and public squares into a sprawling campus of discovery.

The festival’s headquarters is the magnificent Palazzo Ducale, but events spill out across the entire city — from the Acquario di Genova to the Galata Museo del Mare, from the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia to makeshift labs set up in medieval churches. In 2026, Genoa hosts the Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare earlier in the summer, making this a banner year for the city. The festival is the intellectual bookend to the season of spectacle.

What Makes It Special

This isn’t a dry academic conference. The Festival della Scienza is built around hands-on interaction. Past editions have included life-sized replicas of Martian rovers you can drive, DNA extraction workshops for kids, debates on artificial intelligence with leading researchers, and planetarium shows set up inside deconsecrated churches. The working language is mostly Italian, but many exhibitions and international talks are in English or bilingual.

• Exhibitions: Dozens of themed installations across Genoa’s museums and palazzi, each exploring a different scientific frontier — from climate science to neuroscience, robotics to Renaissance astronomy.
• Workshops & Labs: Designed for all ages, from primary school children to adults. Expect everything from coding sessions to chemical experiments, 3D printing to microscope labs.
• Lectures & Dialogues: Featuring scientists, philosophers, journalists, and artists in conversation. Past speakers have included Margherita Hack, Brian Greene, and Tullio Regge.
• Special Events: Evening shows, science-themed theatre performances, and the popular “Science in the Square” open-air demonstrations.

Plan Your Visit

• Tickets: A mix of free and paid events. Day passes typically cost €12–15, with discounts for students and families. Many outdoor events and exhibitions are free.
• Getting there: Genoa is well-connected by train and air. Palazzo Ducale is a 10-minute walk from Genova Piazza Principe station. See our transport guides for Liguria travel tips.
• Where to stay: Late October is outside the peak tourist season, so accommodation is more affordable. Our Genoa accommodation guide has neighbourhood-based recommendations.
• Eating: Genoa’s centro storico has some of Italy’s best street food. Grab farinata, focaccia, and pansotti al sugo di noci between exhibitions. Our best pesto guide and food guide will steer you right.

Why October in Genoa Is Perfect

Late October means Genoa is quieter, the weather is mild (think sunny days around 18–20°C), and the light is beautiful on the slate and marble facades. It’s arguably the best time to explore the caruggi (alleyways) without sweating through summer crowds. Pair the festival with a visit to the museums of Genoa and a day trip along the coast — our day trips from Genoa guide has plenty of ideas.