Teaching with human remains: curatorship, technological innovation and ethical engagement at the Morgagni Museum of Human Anatomy

Medical museums are increasingly challenged to balance accessibility, educational effectiveness, and ethical responsibility, particularly when displaying human remains. Despite growing interest in digital museology, limited attention has been paid to its application in contexts involving culturally sensitive materials.

This study presents a qualitative case study of the renovation of the Morgagni Museum of Human Anatomy (University of Padua), focusing on the integration of digital tools, including quick response codes, augmented reality (AR), and virtual itineraries. The project aimed to enhance accessibility and public engagement while preserving the scientific and ethical integrity of the collection. The results, based on observational data collected during guided visits and educational activities, indicate that hybrid interpretive strategies combining digital and traditional tools improve visitor engagement, support layered learning, and foster a more informed interaction with anatomical and pathological specimens. In particular, the use of AR and digital content was associated with increased student participation and enhanced observational skills. This case study demonstrates that digital technologies, when embedded within a coherent curatorial framework, can strengthen rather than diminish ethical engagement with human remains. The Morgagni Museum provides a model for the sustainable and responsible reinterpretation of historical medical collections in contemporary educational contexts.