Museo civico di storia naturale di Morbegno
Municipal natural history museum in the 18th-century Palazzo Gualteroni, with earth sciences, alpine fauna and large dioramas of the habitats of the Sondrio province.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was founded in 1974 at the initiative of the municipality of Morbegno, after the local enthusiast Giacomo Perego had donated 500 mineral samples from his collection. Since 1983 it has been housed in the 18th-century Palazzo Gualteroni in the historic centre of the town, and it is considered the largest scientific museum in the Sondrio province.
The exhibition is laid out over two floors, with an earth sciences section and a fauna section. The greatest impact comes from the large dioramas that recreate the natural habitats of the area, such as the forest, the mountains and the valley floor, and from two smaller dioramas, one on the camouflage of the rock ptarmigan, the mountain hare and the stoat, and one showing a night-time country scene. The most significant specimens are on display, while the rest of the collections are kept in storerooms available to researchers.
The museum is part of the Sistema Museale Valtellina and offers educational activities, events and a sound trail, “I suoni della Montagna” (“The Sounds of the Mountain”).
Highlights
- Large dioramas of the natural habitats of the Central Alps
- Earth sciences section built on the mineral donation of Giacomo Perego
- Skull of the last brown bear of the Valgerola
- Fossil conifer Cassinisia orobica from the Valgerola
- Sound trail “I suoni della Montagna” with seven listening stations
Permanent exhibitions
- Scienze della terra – Minerals and rocks, starting with the donation by Giacomo Perego that gave rise to the museum.
- Fauna di terra, acqua e aria – Specimens of alpine fauna, including a wolf and the skull of the last brown bear of the Valgerola.
- Ambientazioni nei diorami – Large dioramas recreating the natural habitats of the Sondrio province.
- Founded
- 1974
- Operated by
- Comune di Morbegno (Sistema Museale Valtellina)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 5,770
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission; the museum is included in the Abbonamento Musei Lombardia Valle d’Aosta.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is accessible to people with mobility impairments, with a lift with Braille buttons, dedicated toilets and reserved parking spaces nearby. For schools, display cases hold casts of animal tracks and samples to touch. Admission is free for visitors with disabilities and their companions.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Workshops are offered for children aged 5 to 11 and for young people aged 11 to 15, along with animation events, camps and themed birthday parties. The sound trail “I suoni della Montagna” includes listening exercises with animal sounds.
Getting there & parking
By car
- Accessible parking
The museum is on Via Cortivacci, next to the municipal library, in the historic centre of Morbegno.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Baby-changing and breastfeeding area for families.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours and workshops for schools last about 1 or 2 hours (€62 and €85) and must be booked at +39 0342 612 451 or by email. Independent school visits are free but require booking and include accessible audio guides with QR codes in every room. |
