The Museum of Natural History is one of the oldest and most important scientific museums in Tuscany. The building, previously a Camaldolese monastery, houses two centuries of acquisitions and donations. Collections of natural and historical specimens, period instruments and curiosities are displayed in nineteenth century style. The Museum is organised in four main sections and occupies the two floors of the building surrounding the central court, a large basement and an upper floor with attic. A specimen that has become the emblem of the Museum, the skeleton of a 15-metre fin whale, is on show in the courtyard.
ZOOLOGY
The animal collections, enhanced by their nineteenth century show cases, bring together many specimens of vertebrates (stuffed and mounted in natural poses), skeletons, spirit material, shells of molluscs and cases of insects. Read more
GEOLOGY
The Geology section includes rich collections of minerals, rocks and fossils.
The many minerals on show come from various countries and offer a panorama of global geodiversity. The rock collections are mainly local (Siena Province, Mt. Amiata and mines in southern Tuscany). Striking specimens include an amethyst geode more than half a metre in diameter. Read more
ANATOMY
The anatomy section occupies the room dedicated to the Tuscan scientist Paolo Mascagni (1755-1815) on the raised first floor. Read more
BOTANY
The Botany Section includes various collections. On the ground floor there are terracotta fungi by Francesco Valenti Serini (Valenti Serini room) and his lichen herbarium (Bartalini room), as well as a collection of thin sections of wood (Gabbrielli room). Read more
CURIOSITIES
The cabinets in the Gabbrielli room contain a great variety of curiosities and historical objects, including a touchstone, emblem of the Accademia, and antique scientific instruments. Read more
RESOURCES
Materials to consult or download. Read more