Sguardo Fisico

Sguardo Fisico is a bronze statue in Milan’s Largo Richini, directly opposite the University of Milan’s main building, Ca’ Granda. Artist Sissi created it to honour astrophysicist Margherita Hack.

Hack rises from a swirling bronze vortex shaped like a galaxy, linking her figure to lifelong exploration of the cosmos. Her hands appear ready to hold binoculars, while the absence of a pedestal keeps her close to the ground. Italy’s first public monument dedicated to a female scientist also recalls Hack’s leadership at the Trieste Observatory. She was the first woman to direct an astronomical observatory in Italy.

The sculpture won a competition organised by the Deloitte Foundation with Casa degli Artisti and the Municipality of Milan. Seven Italian and international artists submitted proposals before Sissi’s vision was selected. The Carli Artistic Foundry in Piedmont cast the bronze, which stands two metres and seventy centimetres high.