Dinosaurs, whales and a few pygmy elephants all share one room at one of the oldest Natural History Museumsin southern Europe.
The Natural History Museum (Museo Civico di Storia Naturaledi Milano) has 23 rooms and features dedicated exhibitions on mineralogy,paleontology, humanity, vertebrates and invertebrates. The museum is housedinside a classic example of 19th-century Italian construction. Architecture enthusiastswill love the intricate design both inside and out. Since this is one of themost important natural history museums in Europe, a visit is a must for anyonewith an interest in the natural world.
When the Italian naturalist, Giuseppe de Crisforis passedaway, he donated his vast collections of artifacts to the city of Milan. Thenext year, in 1838, the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Milano was born.Today the museum prides itself on its accessibility. The information providedis engaging to a range of academic levels. A child will take away as much fromthe museum as a teacher, with a carefully curated selection of informationprovided in both English and Italian. A guide to the museum is available,offering detailed information about the exhibits in all its rooms.
Stroll among the huge dinosaur skeletons in the palaeontologycollection. See casts of the stegosaurus and the plateosaurus. The skeletons oftwo pygmy elephants are included in the collection both were found on theItalian island of Sicily.
Discover vertebrates and invertebrates in the zoologycollections. The giant clam and Japanese spider crabs are crowd favourites. Thesecond floor of the museum is dedicated to a large taxidermy collection. Seethe 40-foot (12-metre) sperm whale, as well as a range of creatures from acrossthe European continent.
The Natural History Museum is located in central Milan,within the grounds of Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli. Reach the museum bymetro, or find metered parking in the nearby streets for a fee. The museum isclosed Mondays and some holidays. Entrance is subject to a small charge.
