Museum and Gardens of Pythagoras: a Journey through Science, Art, and Philosophy in Crotone

In Crotone, the city that gave birth to one of the greatest thinkers of antiquity — Pythagoras — stands a truly unique place: the Museum and Gardens of Pythagoras. This innovative space is not a traditional archaeological museum, but a dynamic cultural center that explores science, mathematics, and philosophy through a multisensory approach, combining contemporary art, educational activities, and the enhancement of the local territory.

An Innovative Concept: Science for Everyone

The Museum and Gardens of Pythagoras was conceived with the idea of making science and philosophy accessible to all, overcoming the perception of these disciplines as complex or unapproachable. Through a modern and engaging architectural design, the museum invites visitors to discover the mathematical and scientific principles that govern the world, while integrating art and local culture.

The project, launched in 2003 through an international competition promoted by the Municipality of Crotone, was designed by the architectural firm OBR – Open Building Research. The structure harmoniously blends into the landscape of Parco Pignera, creating a dialogue between architecture and nature. The museum develops partly underground, emerging organically from the terrain, with a roof that merges into the hillside’s contours, transforming into a panoramic garden.

The Museum Experience

The museum itinerary is designed to be experiential:

• Exhibition Rooms: the halls host interactive installations, mathematical and scientific games, contemporary artworks, and multimedia displays that illustrate key concepts of Pythagorean thought and scientific disciplines. The goal is to spark curiosity and active participation from visitors.
• Educational Laboratories: the museum offers a wide range of workshops designed for schools of all levels, as well as for families and enthusiasts, allowing participants to experiment and directly understand scientific and mathematical principles.
• Gardens: the surrounding gardens, an integral part of the museum, provide open-air spaces for strolling, discovering art installations, and enjoying panoramic views of the city and the sea. They are conceived as a place of relaxation and contemplation, where nature interacts with science and art.
• Events and Activities: the Museum and Gardens of Pythagoras serves as a lively cultural hub, regularly hosting art exhibitions, book presentations, debates, concerts, and tastings of local products, becoming an important center of social and cultural gathering for both residents and visitors.

A Project of Social Inclusion

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Museum and Gardens of Pythagoras is its strong commitment to social inclusion. Managed by the Jobel Consortium, the museum promotes social and work inclusion programs for people in vulnerable conditions, enhancing their abilities and fostering a model of social enterprise that integrates culture, territory, and community well-being.

Visitor Information

• Address: Via Giovanni Falcone, 9 – Parco Pignera (Parco Pitagora) – 87100 Crotone
• Contacts:
  • Tel: +39 0962 27697
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website: https://museodipitagora.com/
• Opening Hours:
  • Generally open on Saturdays and Sundays. Specific hours (winter and summer) and open days may vary — it is strongly recommended to check the official website or contact the museum for up-to-date information.
• Tickets:
  • Full ticket: starting from €5
  • Reductions available for children (ages 6+), groups, school visits, and other categories
  • Free admission for children under 6
  • Guided tours and educational workshops require booking

The Museum and Gardens of Pythagoras stands as a shining example of how cultural heritage can be reinterpreted in a modern way — creating a place of learning, recreation, and inclusion, imbued with the scientific and philosophical spirit that made ancient Crotone a cradle of knowledge.

Cover photo credits: museodipitagora.com/museo-e-giardini/