Museo civico di scienze naturali Mario Realini
Municipal museum in Malnate, housed in the Liberty-style (Art Nouveau) Villa Braghenti, with eight areas on gems, rocks, minerals, fossils, prehistory and the local fauna.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Malnate natural history museum was founded in 1979 at the initiative of the municipal administration and thanks to private donations, in particular from Mario Realini, after whom it is named. In 2007 the exhibition was renewed when it moved to its present site, Villa Braghenti, a private house in the Liberty (Art Nouveau) style.
The route is organised into eight areas: gemmology, lithology, mineralogy, palaeontology, prehistoric archaeology, the psammophile section devoted to sands, zoology, and a section for temporary exhibitions on local materials. Panels and captions are designed for both experts and the general public.
The museum is run by volunteers and works with the association GAMMAR (Gruppo Associato Museo Mario Realini), with other museums and scientific institutions and with the University of Insubria. It offers guided tours, educational workshops, lessons, lectures and outings in the local area.
Highlights
- Eight exhibition areas, from gemmology to zoology
- Psammophile section on sands
- Sections on mineralogy, palaeontology and prehistoric archaeology
- Housed in the Liberty-style Villa Braghenti
- Free and barrier-free admission
Permanent exhibition
- Aree espositive del museo – Eight areas on gemmology, lithology, mineralogy, palaeontology, prehistoric archaeology, sands, zoology and local materials.
- Founded
- 1979
- Operated by
- Comune di Malnate
- Visitors per year
- approx. 672
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission. Guided tours and workshops by appointment are charged.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- 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 municipality’s website lists free admission and barrier-free access.
Kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
The museum offers educational workshops and lessons for schools and groups.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Stazione di Malnate
By train with the Ferrovie Nord Milano, Milan–Varese line, to Malnate station.
By car from Como along the SS342 Briantea; from Milan along the A8 motorway Milan–Varese.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours and educational workshops take place by appointment (email museo@comune.malnate.va.it or cultura@comune.malnate.va.it) and are charged. |
