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Museo di Storia Naturale Faraggiana Ferrandi: A Novara's Natural Treasure

Explore natural history at Novara's Museo Faraggiana Ferrandi, featuring zoological, entomological, and ethnographic collections in a historic palace.

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Housed in the historic Palazzo Faraggiana, the Museo di Storia Naturale Faraggiana Ferrandi in Novara showcases a vast collection of natural history specimens. Founded by Catherine Faraggiana Ferrandi and her son Alessandro, the museum boasts an impressive array of zoological, entomological, and ethnographic exhibits, making it a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

A brief summary to Museo di Storia Naturale Faraggiana Ferrandi

  • Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-7 pm
  • Friday 10 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • The museum is free, making it an affordable and enriching experience for all visitors.
  • Don't miss the multisensory route, offering tactile, olfactory, and auditory experiences for a fully immersive visit.
  • Explore the teaching garden in the Palazzo's courtyard to discover plant species native to the Po Valley.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Museo di Storia Naturale Faraggiana Ferrandi is located in the historic center of Novara at Via Gaudenzio Ferrari, 13. From Piazza Garibaldi, Novara's main transportation hub, walk southeast along Corso Italia. Turn right onto Via Gaudenzio Ferrari. The museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From Novara Train Station in Piazza Garibaldi , take bus lines 4, 6, or C towards the city center. Get off at the bus stop closest to Via Gaudenzio Ferrari. From there, walk a short distance to the museum. A single bus ticket costs approximately €1.50 [check local transit website for current pricing].

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at Piazza Garibaldi , the main transportation hub in Novara. A taxi ride to the Museo di Storia Naturale Faraggiana Ferrandi will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between €8-€12. Ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Museo di Storia Naturale Faraggiana Ferrandi

The Museo di Storia Naturale Faraggiana Ferrandi, located in the heart of Novara within the Palazzo Faraggiana, offers a fascinating glimpse into the natural world. The museum's origins trace back to Catherine Faraggiana Ferrandi and her son Alessandro, passionate explorers who amassed a significant collection of zoological specimens from around the globe. Their private collection, initially housed in a small zoo and museum in Meina, was donated to the city of Novara and re-established in Palazzo Faraggiana in 1959. The museum's collection includes approximately 2,400 animal specimens, primarily mammals and birds, that illustrate the zoogeographical regions of the world. Highlights include a snow leopard, a lesser panda, a musk ox, and an eared pheasant. The museum also features an ethnographic collection donated by Ugo Ferrandi, with tribal weapons and artifacts displayed in elegant Victorian cases. Furthermore, the museum has a collection of almost 10,000 insects. Visitors can explore a multisensory route with tactile maps, olfactory boxes, and video stations accessible in LIS, along with informational guides available via QR codes and NFC technology. The Palazzo Faraggiana itself features a teaching garden with native Po Valley plant species and a small artificial pond. The museum is committed to accessibility, offering barrier-free access for visitors with motor disabilities.

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