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Milan Natural History Museum: A Journey Through Time and Life

Explore the wonders of nature at Milan's Natural History Museum, home to Italy's largest collection of dioramas and fascinating exhibits.

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Founded in 1838, the Milan Natural History Museum is Italy's largest and one of Europe's most important natural history museums. Housed in a 19th-century building within the Indro Montanelli Gardens, it offers a captivating journey through natural history with its extensive collections and detailed dioramas.

A brief summary to Milan Natural History Museum

  • Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collections and exhibits.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the Indro Montanelli Gardens for a pleasant day out.
  • Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and special events.
  • Utilize the audio guide for a more in-depth understanding of the exhibits.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Milan Central Station, take the Green Line (M2) to the Moscova stop. From there, transfer to the Yellow Line (M3) and get off at Turati. The museum is a 10-minute walk from the Turati station. A single ticket costs €2.20 and is valid for 90 minutes. Alternatively, a 24-hour pass costs €7.60.

  • Walking

    From the Duomo, walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II to Piazza San Babila. Continue onto Corso Venezia; the museum will be on your left within the Indro Montanelli Gardens. The walk is approximately 25 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Milan. A taxi from Milan Central Station to the museum typically costs between €15-€20, depending on traffic. Be sure the meter is running or agree on a fare before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Milan Natural History Museum

The Milan Natural History Museum, established in 1838, is a treasure trove of scientific wonders, inviting visitors to explore the history of life on Earth. Located in a Neo-Romanesque building with Gothic elements within the Indro Montanelli Garden near Porta Venezia, the museum's architecture itself is a sight to behold. The museum is divided into five permanent sections: Mineralogy, Paleontology, Natural History of Man, Invertebrate Zoology, and Vertebrate Zoology. The Mineralogy section displays minerals from around the world, including a large sulfur crystal and an 8,000-carat Brazilian topaz. The Paleontology section features fossils of dinosaurs and other prehistoric organisms. The Natural History of Man section explores human origins and evolution, with a focus on our relationship with the environment. The Invertebrate and Vertebrate Zoology sections showcase a diverse array of animals, both exotic and European. One of the museum's highlights is its collection of over 100 full-size dioramas, the largest in Italy. These dioramas offer immersive glimpses into various ecosystems, from rainforests to deserts, displaying mounted specimens in realistic settings. The museum also houses a specialized library with over 120,000 volumes and 4,000 magazines, making it a valuable resource for researchers and enthusiasts. Since 2010, the museum has been part of the Polo dei Musei Scientifici, along with the Planetarium and the Aquarium. This collaboration enhances the museum's role as a center for scientific education and exploration.

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