Aquarium Mondo Marino

About the museum

The Aquarium Mondo Marino is located in the Valpiana area of Massa Marittima and is an environmental education centre linked to the Centro Studi Squali, a private research institute founded in 2000 by Dr Primo Micarelli. The institute receives no public funding, collaborates with the universities of Calabria and Siena and is part of the network of the Tuscan Biodiversity Observatory. Since March 2020 Dr Francesca Romana Reinero has been scientific coordinator. The research concerns sharks of the Mediterranean and other seas, from South Africa to Madagascar, the Maldives, Djibouti and Greenland.

The visit includes the aquarium, with Mediterranean and tropical tanks, and a large 7-metre panoramic tank with coastal Mediterranean species and three shark species, for over 150 species in total. The ticket includes the permanent shark museum, with fossil teeth and jaws, and a visit to the shark nursery, where young specimens live before being released.

Next to the aquarium are two outdoor trails: Explora, an area of about 3,000 square metres with twenty life-size dinosaur models that tells the story of prehistoric life from 400 million years ago, and Natura, designed for young naturalists, with a bio-lake, pond, bird shelter and botanical garden. The centre also offers educational programmes for schools, including online, and themed birthday parties.

Highlights

• Large 7-metre panoramic tank with Mediterranean species and three shark species
• Shark museum with fossil teeth and jaws
• Shark nursery with young specimens
• Explora: trail with twenty life-size dinosaurs
• Natura: bio-lake, pond, bird shelter and botanical garden

Permanent exhibitions

• Aquarium e Centro Studi Squali – Mediterranean and tropical tanks with over 150 species, large panoramic tank with sharks, shark museum and nursery.
• Explora – percorso dei dinosauri – Area of about 3,000 square metres with twenty life-size dinosaur models that take visitors through prehistoric life from 400 million years ago.
• Natura – esploratori naturalisti – Area for young naturalists with a bio-lake, pond, bird shelter and botanical garden.

Founded

2009

Operated by

Centro Studi Squali

Director

Primo Micarelli

Admission & discounts

The ticket includes the aquarium, the shark museum, the nursery and the Explora and Natura trails.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The website lists access for people with disabilities among its services, without giving details; pets are admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

In the Natura area young naturalists observe with entomologist kits and binoculars; the educational birthday parties (ages 5–12) include a guided dig and a treasure hunt on sharks and dinosaurs.

Getting there & parking

The centre is at Via della Cava, Valpiana area, in the municipality of Massa Marittima; a map of the facility is available on the website.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

The website lists a snack bar, bookshop, car park, toilets and Wi-Fi among its services.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit