Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali

Encased within Turin’s embrace, the Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali stands as a testament to the wonders of the natural world. The Museo, housed in a building originally intended as the Ospedale San Giovanni Battista in the late 17th century, has journeyed through time, transforming from a place of healing to a sanctuary of knowledge. The Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali was officially established in 1978 by the Piedmont Region. Its mission is to preserve and showcase naturalistic finds, both local and global. The Museo carefully manages historical collections inherited from the University of Turin and actively builds new collections for scientific study. Within the walls of the Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali, three distinct exhibition areas await exploration. The Museo Storico di Zoologia, the first of these, houses a remarkable display of preserved specimens and skeletons. Here, visitors embark on a journey through the history of zoological collections, tracing the evolution of our understanding of the animal kingdom. The second area, the Arca delle Esplorazioni (Ark of Explorations), unveils the captivating narratives of naturalistic expeditions. These voyages of discovery, spanning centuries, have enriched the museum’s collections, contributing to a global tapestry of natural wonders. At the heart of this area lies the colossal skeleton of a fin whale, a relic of a bygone era, beached in Bordighera in the mid-19th century. Finally, the Sala delle Meraviglie (Hall of Wonders) offers a glimpse into the sheer diversity housed within the Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali’s vast storage. Here, a curated selection of specimens showcases the breathtaking variety of the natural world. The Museo’s recent reopening in January 2024, with its new entrance on Via Accademia Albertina, marked a new chapter in its history. The Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali invites us to delve into the mysteries of nature. It prompts us to consider our place within this interconnected web of life, leaving a lasting impression on all who venture within its walls.