Esapolis

About the museum

Esapolis was born from the collaboration between the Province of Padua and Butterfly Arc, with the aim of making nature known, and in particular the world of insects and invertebrates. The museum is housed in a restored building from the early 20th century, which hosted the main national sericultural research station: the activity of this institute dates back to the late 19th century and continues in a building at the back, where an agricultural research body conserves and studies over one hundred breeds of silkworms.

The historic collections of tools, instruments, books and silkworm breeds from around the world are now part of the museum and are considered among the most important internationally. The exhibition route, built around these collections, includes numerous live displays devoted to insects, arachnids and other small invertebrates.

The rooms cover the characteristics of insects, the history and life cycle of the silkworm, bees and honey, live spiders and a naturalist’s room dedicated to the history of entomology. The visit is completed by a 4D cinema, a holographic theatre, the children’s room “Insettolandia” and interactive workshops led by biologists and educators.

Highlights

• Insectarium with live animals, including insects, spiders and bees to observe up close
• Historic collections of the sericultural station and a section on the silkworm
• 4D cinema and holographic theatre
• Insettolandia, the play room for the youngest
• Hands-on workshops with a biologist at weekends

Permanent exhibition

• Percorso del museo interattivo degli insetti – Rooms devoted to insects, the silkworm, bees, spiders (“Aracnofobia”), the naturalist’s room, the 4D cinema and Insettolandia, with live animals and historic collections.

Operated by

Provincia di Padova e Butterfly Arc

Visitors per year

approx. 14,500

Admission & discounts

€2 discount for those who have visited Butterfly Arc (ticket valid for one year) and €1 for holders of the Selvazzano Card; free admission with Alì points coupons. Accompanying adults of school groups enter free. Combined packages are available with the Casa delle Farfalle Butterfly Arc in Montegrotto Terme.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The “Insettolandia” room for children; hands-on and interactive workshops with a biologist on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and public holidays; birthday parties and programmes for schools. The visit is also offered to children under 4.

Getting there & parking

For satnav it is advisable to search for “Via Leonardo Eulero 6”, which leads to the entrance of the car park.

Amenities & dining

Indoor refreshment area and an equipped garden with benches and tables where you can have a packed lunch.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit