From Monday, May 4th to Sunday, May 24th, 2026, the free Forensic Police exhibition “The Truth in the Traces. Over 120 Years of Forensic Police” will be held at the Voltoni del Guazzatoio.
The exhibition traces the history of the Forensic Police from its origins to the present day, focusing on the most advanced forensic investigation techniques.
The exhibition is part of the legal education program developed by the Parma Police Headquarters and schools, through specific initiatives aimed at students, in collaboration with the Education Authority.
This multimedia journey offers visitors the opportunity to listen, read, understand, and appreciate the activities carried out by the Forensic Police in all their aspects, through the magnifying glass of a specialist.
The exhibition is divided into seven rooms, each characterized by a color and a specific discipline, and traces the history of the Forensic Police, beginning with its origins in 1903, when coroner Salvatore Ottolenghi established the first Forensic Police School and introduced the scientific method in identifying individuals. The subsequent rooms illustrate the role of video footage in police work, the procedures and techniques used at crime scenes, and laboratory analyses in the section dedicated to trace analysis (genetics, ballistics, and chemistry). Another room explores advanced technologies and the use of artificial intelligence in modern investigations, while the final room showcases 3D crime scene reconstruction techniques,
including those for historical cases.
In each room, the narrative is guided by the voice of journalist Gianluigi Nuzzi, who delves into each topic, revealing the scientific principles and working methods behind the multiple skills entrusted to this specialized branch of the State Police. A comprehensive journey that captures the transformations and successes of the Forensic Police over its 120-year history, including the recounting of current events and exclusive testimonies from those who worked on the scene and those who conducted forensic investigations, beginning with the Via Palestro massacre in Milan.
The entire exhibition is interactive and multimedia-based, allowing visitors to understand and immerse themselves in the work of the Forensic Police specialists.
Opening
Monday, May 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Music Hall – Pilotta Monumental Complex
Gallery
