Dinosaurs, minerals, and massive animal skeletons fill this building. That’s right we are at the Museo di Storia Naturale in Milan. This museum invites us to explore the wonders of the natural world.
Founded in 1838, the Museo di Storia Naturale began with Giuseppe de Cristoforis’s generous donation of his collections to the city. Giorgio Jan became its first director. Imagine the excitement as Milan embraced this new institution.
Initially, the museum resided in the former Convent of via Santa Marta. Later, it moved to the Palazzo Dugnani. Finally, in 1907, it found a permanent home in this purpose-built structure. Giovanni Ceruti designed this building. His neo-Gothic style was inspired by the Natural History Museum in London and the Naturhistorisches Museum in Vienna.
Inside the Museo di Storia Naturale, you will find five permanent sections. These include Mineralogy, Paleontology, Natural History of Man, Invertebrate Zoology, and Vertebrate Zoology. Each section offers a unique glimpse into the world’s natural wonders.
Let’s start with the Mineralogy section. Here, you can marvel at a vast collection of minerals from across the globe. The world’s largest sulfur crystal from Pesaro-Urbino awaits you. An 8,000-carat Brazilian topaz crystal sparkles brilliantly.
Next, venture into the Paleontology section. This area explains paleozoology and paleobotany. Discover fossils of plants and animals. Do not miss the Spinosaurus snout and the pygmy elephant skeletons from Sicily. Look for the Scipionix samniticus fossil, a rare find. You can also view casts of dinosaur skeletons like Allosaurus and Stegosaurus. The Stan cast is a highlight. It is the fifth most complete Tyrannosaurus ever found.
The Natural History of Man section explores human origins. It covers everything from early primates to Homo sapiens. Learn about human evolution from different perspectives. See archaeological objects and realistic plastic models. Do not miss the cast of an Australopithecus afarensis skeleton.
In the Invertebrate Zoology section, you will find two exhibitions. The first focuses on mollusks and arthropods. A giant clam stands out. It is the largest living bivalve. Also on display are Japanese spider crabs and Scolopendra gigantea. The second exhibition showcases a variety of insects.
Ascend to the second floor for the Vertebrate Zoology section. Admire taxidermied animals from Europe and beyond. A twelve-meter-long sperm whale skeleton dominates the space. Full-scale dioramas display mounted specimens in realistic settings. The museum boasts Italy’s largest collection of dioramas.
The museum’s collection includes about 30 primary types of reptiles. Giorgio Jan, the museum’s first director, described many of these. He remains one of history’s most prolific herpetologists.
Note that the Museo di Storia Naturale suffered damage in 1943 due to bombings. A fire broke out. A massive restoration project in 2013 brought it back to its current glory.
Before we move on, remember the museum’s library. It houses 150,000 volumes and 2,500 scientific journals. It is a treasure trove for researchers and enthusiasts alike. The Museo di Storia Naturale is not just a museum. It is a journey through time and nature. Its exhibits spark curiosity. They inspire a deeper understanding of our planet.