Social & Cultural Events

An unforgettable evening in front of the Leaning Tower

Join us for a truly special night under the stars in one of the most iconic settings in the world: the Loggiato del Bistrot dell’Opera, located just steps away from the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The Gala Dinner of SINS 2025 is more than a pleasant meal. It’s a shared moment of beauty, conversation, and connection. Taking place in the heart of Piazza dei Miracoli, this elegant loggia offers a stunning open-air view of the Tower, softly illuminated at night, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and intimate.

As the sun sets behind the Cathedral and Baptistery, and the sky turns from gold to deep blue, you’ll enjoy a Tuscan dinner in the company of fellow neuroscientists, in a setting where science and culture naturally come together. It’s the perfect occasion to relax after a full day of talks, to reflect, exchange ideas, and celebrate the spirit of our community in a place that inspires wonder.

Useful Information

The cost of the Gala Dinner is €100 per person.

Each participant can reserve up to three seats (for different group size requirements, please contact the organizing secretariat at secretariat@congress2025.sins.it).

Elegant attire is recommended.

Please remember to bring the dinner ticket you received and present it at the entrance.

We recommend booking early, as availability is limited and seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Enhance your Gala Dinner experience with an exclusive guided tour of the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo di Pisa, the very venue that hosts our evening together

Located adjacent to the Loggiato where the dinner takes place, the museum houses an extraordinary collection of masterpieces originally created for the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Tower. Among its treasures are sculptures by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, medieval paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and precious liturgical objects that narrate the artistic and spiritual history of Piazza dei Miracoli.

This is a unique opportunity to explore, in an intimate setting, the rich heritage that surrounds the Leaning Tower. The guided tour lasts approximately 40 minutes and offers a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context of the monuments that frame our evening.

Useful Information

The guided tour is complimentary and available exclusively to Gala Dinner participants. You can reserve your spot when registering for the dinner. If you’ve already confirmed your attendance at the Gala Dinner, simply log in to the Online Conference Management System to add the tour to your booking

The tour will be organized into five groups of up to 30 participants, with departures every 5 minutes starting at 7:30 p.m., ensuring a relaxed and engaging experience before the Gala Dinner begins.
You will be asked to select your preferred time slot when reserving your place.

Participants are kindly asked to arrive at the museum entrance at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start time of their selected group.

A unique journey through the history of anatomy in one of Italy’s oldest medical schools.

Join us for an exclusive after-hours guided tour of the Museum of Human Anatomy “Filippo Civinini”, housed in the historic medical complex of the University of Pisa. This remarkable museum showcases a fascinating collection of anatomical preparations, wax models, and medical instruments, reflecting centuries of scientific inquiry and anatomical education. The museum also houses archaeological collections from ancient Peru and ancient Egypt, offering a rare glimpse into how different civilizations approached the understanding of the human body.

Led by museum staff, the tour will provide insights into the evolution of anatomical study and the role of Pisa in the history of medical science.

Useful Information

The tour is limited to a group of 25 participants. Two tours are scheduled, one on Thursday 11 and one on Friday 12 September 2025. You will be asked to select your preferred day when registering.

The group will meet outside the main entrance of the Scuola Medica of the University of Pisa (Via Roma 55). Please arrive at least 5 minutes before the start of the tour and remember to wear your conference badge for identification.

A museum of extraordinary creatures, ancient fossils, and aquatic wonders, set within the quiet grandeur of a Tuscan monastery.

Nestled within the majestic 14th-century Certosa di Calci, the Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa offers an extraordinary exploration of the natural world. Established in 1596, it stands as one of the oldest natural history museums globally. Visitors can marvel at extensive collections, including the impressive Cetacean Gallery—the largest in Italy—with full-scale whale skeletons, as well as exhibits on paleontology, zoology, and mineralogy. The museum also features Italy’s largest freshwater aquarium, providing an immersive experience into aquatic ecosystems.

Useful Information

Free admission is granted to SINS 2025 participants during the museum’s regular opening hours, upon presentation of the congress badge at the museum ticket desk.

The museum is located approximately 10 km from Pisa. Participants are kindly asked to arrange their own transportation.

Full visitor information, including opening hours, directions, exhibitions, and how to reach the museum by public transportation, is available on the official website at https://www.msn.unipi.it/en/

A peaceful walk through centuries of botanical science.

Founded in 1543, the Botanical Garden of the University of Pisa is the world’s oldest university botanical garden. Situated in the heart of Pisa, just steps from Piazza dei Miracoli, it spans two hectares and hosts a diverse array of plant species from around the globe. Visitors can explore themed sections, historical greenhouses, and ancient trees, including a majestic magnolia planted in the 18th century. The adjoining Botanical Museum houses collections of botanical illustrations, wax models, and an extensive herbarium, reflecting centuries of botanical research and education.

Useful Information

Free admission is granted to SINS 2025 participants during the garden and museum’s regular opening hours, upon presentation of the congress badge at the entrance.

Full visitor information, including opening hours, directions, exhibitions, and how to reach the museum by public transportation, is available on the official website at https://www.ortomuseobot.sma.unipi.it/en/