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La Specola: Florence's Window to Natural History
Explore Florence's La Specola: A historic natural history museum with vast zoological collections and anatomical wax models.
La Specola, part of the Natural History Museum of the University of Florence, is one of Europe's oldest science museums, opened to the public in 1775. Housed in the Palazzo Bini Torrigiani, it features vast zoological collections and the world's largest collection of anatomical waxes, offering a unique blend of science and art.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to La Specola
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Via Romana, 17, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, 50125, IT
Tuesday
9 am-5 pm
Wednesday
9 am-5 pm
Thursday
9 am-5 pm
Friday
9 am-5 pm
Saturday
9 am-5 pm
Sunday
9 am-5 pm
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Getting There
Walking
La Specola is located on Via Romana, a short walk from the Pitti Palace. From the Ponte Vecchio, walk south along Via de' Guicciardini, cross Piazza Pitti, and continue onto Via Romana. The museum will be on your right. Walking time is approximately 15 minutes. No costs involved.
Public Transport
From the Santa Maria Novella train station, take bus line 11 towards 'Piazza della Libertà'. Get off at the 'Piazza dei Giudici' stop and walk along Via Romana. La Specola will be located at number 17. Alternatively, take a bus that stops at Santo Spirito. From there, it is a short walk to Via Romana. Bus tickets cost around €1.50.
Taxi
A taxi from the Florence city center to La Specola typically costs between €10 and €13 and takes approximately 7 minutes. Taxi stands are available throughout the city center. You can also call for a taxi. Keep in mind that there may be an extra charge of €2.20 for using this service.
Local tips
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Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist season.
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Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully appreciate the collections without feeling rushed.
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Be aware that the anatomical wax models are incredibly realistic and may be intense for some visitors.
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Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Pitti Palace or Boboli Gardens.
Discover more about La Specola
La Specola, officially the Museo di Storia Naturale di Firenze, Sezione di Zoologia "La Specola," offers a captivating journey through the natural world and the history of science. Established in 1775 by Grand Duke Peter Leopold of Tuscany, it was one of the first scientific museums open to the public. The name "La Specola" refers to the astronomical observatory added in 1790, solidifying its role as a center for scientific observation.
The museum's collections have roots in the Medici family's private natural history cabinets. Today, the museum is home to over 5,000 stuffed animals, showcasing the diversity of the animal kingdom. Highlights include extinct species like the Tasmanian Tiger and a Moa egg.
However, La Specola is most famous for its collection of over 1,400 anatomical wax models, created between 1775 and 1814. These incredibly detailed sculptures were commissioned to assist in teaching human anatomy and represent a fusion of art and science. The collection includes works by renowned wax artists such as Francesco Calenzuoli and Clemente Susini, whose "Spellato" (the skinned one) is a masterpiece of anatomical art.
Visitors can also explore the Hall of Skeletons, featuring a collection of osteological specimens, and the Galileo Tribune, a neoclassical structure built in 1841 to honor the Tuscan scientist. The Astronomical Tower offers panoramic views of Florence, providing a fitting conclusion to a visit to this unique museum.
A brief summary to La Specola
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