Page 9 - C_Modena

Rettorato, Polo Museale | Rectorate, Museum Complex 87

The 19th century organisation and the enlargement
projects after Casa Frignani acquisition

In the book Descrizione della città di Modena nell’anno MDCCCXXXIII
published by Francesco Sossai in 1883, the organisation of three im-
portant areas of the Building was settled:
“Studio of Physics. The Studio of Physics was located on the mezzanine
floor of the building. It was equipped with excellent machineries and
precious objects, in order to compete with the Studios of the most
prosperous and flourishing cities. It was given to the renowned Profes-
sor and Priest Liberato Baccelli.
Chemical-Pharmaceutical Laboratory. It was located likewise on the sec-
ond floor. It was connected with the corresponding Studio, equipped
with all the necessities for Science teaching. It was directed by the em-
inent Modenese Professor Bartolomeo Barani, who was also President
of the Medical Society.
Natural Sciences Studio. The new Studio is located on the upper floor. It
is composed by many rooms, specially enlarged and renewed in modern
style, including closets which were ingeniously made, and which pre-
sented all the necessary precautions for the safe conservation of the ob-
jects. In addition to a rich and complete collection of minerals - donated
to the University thanks to the munificence of His Royal Highness,
Archduke Massimiliano, there were also two collections of embalmed
animals. Moreover, there was also another series of minerals which were
sold under the will of the munificence of the Royal Highness to Milan,
Parma and other places. It was then given to Professor Barani”.
After the Restoration, the renewed University needed new spaces to
carry out educational and administrative activities. For this purpose,
the Administration of the Patrimonio degli Studi submitted a report, dat-
ed October 31 1839, to the archduke Francesco IV in which it pro-
posed the acquisition of the house that Count Tommaso Frignani, who
died in 1831, left to the Sacristy of the San Carlo church.

Collection of stuffed animals of the Museum of Zoology, Palazzo Universitario, Modena