Museo Zoologico

About the museum

The Museo Zoologico di Napoli was established by Gioacchino Murat by decree of 18 February 1813, which transferred to it much of the Bourbons’ natural history collection and various private collections. In 1815 Ferdinand I of Bourbon set its location in the rooms of what is now the University Library. The present building was constructed in 1845 at the wish of Giosuè Sangiovanni, the first professor of comparative anatomy in Italy, and its layout in two large halls, with 900 square metres of exhibition space, was carried out in 1901 by the zoologist Francesco Saverio Monticelli.

During the Second World War the museum suffered serious damage from bombing, occupation of its premises and looting; the recovery of the surviving material is due to Mario Salfi. The collections include specimens of great historical and scientific interest, such as the now extinct crescent nail-tail wallaby and Norfolk Island pigeon, and rare items such as the “Balena di Taranto”, the only preserved specimen of a North Atlantic right whale from the Mediterranean, which entered the Mar Grande in 1877, and the “Foca di Posillipo”, a monk seal captured in Naples in 1884.

Highlights

• “Balena di Taranto”, a North Atlantic right whale that entered the Mar Grande in 1877
• “Foca di Posillipo”, a monk seal captured in Naples in 1884
• Extinct species such as the crescent nail-tail wallaby and the Norfolk Island pigeon
• Indian elephant that belonged to Charles of Bourbon
• Two halls with 19th-century furnishings and 900 m² of exhibition space
• Sumatran tiger, dugong, giant clam and Seba’s python

Permanent exhibition

• Collezioni zoologiche storiche – Mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates and corals on display in two 19th-century halls, including historical specimens and extinct species.

Founded

1813

Operated by

Centro Musei delle Scienze Naturali e Fisiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II

Admission & discounts

Prices for a single museum (adults €2.50, children €1.50); the ticket office is shared by the whole Centro Musei. Free admission also for ANMS and ICOM members. Discounts: Artecard and Selecard 20%, Extramann 25% on the five-museum ticket. Since 1 March 2025 cash is no longer accepted; payment is by card only (POS).

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 entrance to the Museo Zoologico, in the Palazzo del Salvatore, has architectural barriers; visitors with special needs are invited to contact the booking service before their visit.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Guided tours and educational workshops are available for schools; the Centro Musei also organizes birthday parties (2 hours).

Getting there & parking

From Piazza Garibaldi, take bus 151, 602 or R2, or metro line 1 to the Università stop and then walk along Corso Umberto I to via Mezzocannone 8. From Piazzale Tecchio (Campi Flegrei station), take bus 151 or metro line 2 to Piazza Cavour or Montesanto.

Amenities & 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