Museo geologico delle Dolomiti
Geological museum of Predazzo, seat of the MUSE, with over 12,000 finds and the richest Italian collection of Middle Triassic fossils.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was founded in 1899 as the civic museum of geology, at the initiative of the Società Magistrale di Fiemme e Fassa, with the aim of studying and making known the geological and natural heritage of the Dolomites. During the 20th century it changed its seat several times; in 1981 it was placed in the former tourism and crafts building on the main square of Predazzo, where it still stands today.
Since 2012 it has been a local branch of the MUSE – Museum of Science of Trento, and in the summer of 2015 it was completely re-displayed. The entrance recalls the lounge of the historic Hotel Nave d’Oro, a meeting place in the 19th century for geologists, naturalists and explorers. The route, on two levels, tells the geological history of the Dolomites, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, and the story of their scientific discovery.
The collections include over 12,000 finds among rocks, minerals and fossils, including the largest Italian collection of fossil invertebrates from the Middle Triassic reefs. The museum also keeps a specialised scientific library and in summer offers the Dos Capèl geological trail as an outdoor continuation of the visit.
Highlights
- Over 12,000 geological, mineralogical and palaeontological finds
- The largest Italian collection of Middle Triassic fossil invertebrates
- Two-level display on the geological history and scientific discovery of the Dolomites
- Entrance inspired by the historic lounge of the Hotel Nave d’Oro
- Dos Capèl geological trail, in summer
Permanent exhibition
- Esposizione permanente sulla geologia delle Dolomiti – The two-level route presents the geological history of the Dolomites and their scientific discovery, with rocks, minerals and fossils, including Middle Triassic invertebrates.
- Founded
- 1899
- Operated by
- MUSE – Museo delle Scienze (Trento)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 17,292
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Visitors aged 14 to 26, over 65s and groups of at least 15 people |
| Children & teens | –Free admission for children up to age 14. |
| Seniors | €4Reduced rate for over 65s. |
| Families | €51 adult with children up to age 17: €5; 2 adults with children up to age 17: €10. |
| Family, 2 adults with children up to age 17 | €10 |
| Guided tour (supplement to the full ticket) | €3Themed tour for children from age 10. |
Free admission also with the Trentino Guest Card, Fiemme Insieme Card, Museum Pass and MyMuse Card, and for residents of Predazzo with identity document. Tickets are bought online with a time slot or at the ticket office.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- 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 museum declares that it has no architectural barriers; wheelchairs and pushchairs are admitted. Accessible parking spaces are in Via Professor Dellagiacoma, behind the museum. Small animals are admitted with a muzzle, at the discretion of staff.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €5 · 1 adult with children up to age 17: €5; 2 adults with children up to age 17: €10. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Stroller-friendly
Geolabs workshops for children aged 6 to 12 and a playful trail with the mascot Petra (kit for children aged 6 to 10, for a fee). Reduced family ticket.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
A dozen paid spaces in Piazza SS. Filippo e Giacomo; behind the museum, in Via Professor Dellagiacoma, a car park with parking disc and accessible spaces; another paid car park near the cinema, about five minutes on foot.
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Coat check
Unattended cloakroom inside the museum.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photographs and videos are allowed for personal use; for commercial or journalistic use, accreditation must be obtained from the reception or the MUSE press office. |
| Good to know | Guided tours can be booked on +39 0462 500366 from Monday to Friday (9:00–12:00 and 14:00–17:00) or at museo.predazzo@muse.it, with payment at the ticket office on the day of the visit. Educational workshops (Geolabs) for children are offered. |
