Museo dell'orso marsicano

About the museum

The museum opened in 2005 in a wing of the former convent of Sant’Antonio in Palena, within the Majella National Park. The complex is also known as the “Aia dei Cordoni” and is today the visitor centre devoted to the bear.

The route is spread over two levels in six sections: the image of the bear in art and myth, the evolution of bears, finds of the cave bear, the biology and ecology of the Marsican brown bear, and conservation projects. Among the most appreciated displays are a reconstruction of a forest at night, with natural sounds, and an interactive wall with panels and drawers to open.

The visit is designed for children, teenagers and adults. Guided tours to the brown bear wildlife area, a few kilometres away, where European brown bears born in captivity live, leave from the museum.

Highlights

• Reconstruction of a forest at night with natural sounds
• Interactive wall with panels and drawers on the tracks of the bear
• Sections on the biology, ecology and conservation of the Marsican bear
• Guided tours of the brown bear wildlife area

Permanent exhibition

• Il mondo dell'orso marsicano – Six sections over two floors on the image of the bear, its evolution, biology and conservation, with a reconstruction of a night forest.

Founded

2005

Admission & discounts

Tickets include third-party liability insurance (RCT). Booking is recommended for independent visits to the museum.

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

According to the ISPRA portal, accessible routes for people with disabilities are provided; for the visit to the wildlife area, the path is unpaved and slightly uphill.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Interactive panels and drawers let children recognise scratches on trees, droppings and footprints; for families there is a short quiz with a small gift.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the former convent of Sant’Antonio in Palena. The wildlife area is about 3 km away and is reached by private transport, following the guide that leaves from the museum ticket office.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

There is a bookshop with products dedicated to the park.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit