Women in Science Exhibition 2023

Women in Science (Donne di Scienza) is the first exhibition to be held at the Volta Temple in Como following its reopening after restoration work.

The exhibition celebrates the achievements of women scientists from Como, highlighting their important contributions to scientific research and innovation.

When thinking about scientists from Como, the first name that usually comes to mind is Alessandro Volta. However, the city’s scientific heritage also includes remarkable women such as Teresa Ciceri Castiglioni (1750–1821), who invented a method for producing yarn and fabrics from lupin plants and introduced potato cultivation among farmers on her land in Camnago.

Another important scientist from Como was Candida Lena Perpenti (1764–1846), a medical researcher who introduced smallpox vaccination to Como.

In addition to her scientific work, she was also a botanist and is credited with the discovery of a previously unknown bellflower species.

Like Alessandro Volta, both women shared a strong curiosity for scientific experimentation and its practical applications.

Volta himself showed great interest in their research, demonstrating his belief in women’s scientific abilities and challenging the prejudices of his time.

The exhibition highlights the research and discoveries that earned these two women national and international recognition throughout their lives.

It also brings together historical objects and memorabilia, some of which are being displayed at the Volta Temple for the first time.

Visitors will have a unique opportunity to learn more about these two pioneering women scientists from Como.

The Women in Science exhibition takes visitors on a journey through their lives, exploring the steps they took to achieve excellence in their respective fields.

Another important goal of the exhibition is to reconnect the people of Como with their shared history by exploring the lives of influential figures who helped shape the city across different periods.