Museo geologico Giovanni Capellini
Geology and paleontology museum of the University of Bologna in late-19th-century fittings, with over 100,000 specimens and a 26-metre model of a Diplodocus.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was founded in 1860 with Giovanni Capellini, the first holder in Italy of the chair of Geology, established in Bologna. It was officially inaugurated in 1881 on the occasion of the second International Geological Congress.
Its original core derives from the collections of Ulisse Aldrovandi (16th century), Ferdinando Cospi and the Istituto delle Scienze of Luigi Ferdinando Marsili. Today the museum holds over 100,000 specimens of rocks, plants, and invertebrate and vertebrate fossils, displayed in the original late-19th-century fittings.
Among the best-known pieces are the skeletons of Pliocene mastodons, the rich collection of Eocene fish from Monte Bolca, Pliocene whales and the large model of the Jurassic Diplodocus.
Highlights
- Skeletons of Pliocene mastodons
- Eocene fish from Monte Bolca
- Pliocene whales
- Model of a Diplodocus 26 metres long
- Original late-19th-century fittings
Permanent exhibition
- Collezione di geologia e paleontologia – Rocks, plants and fossil animals in late-19th-century fittings, with mastodons, Pliocene whales, fish from Monte Bolca and a Diplodocus model.
- Founded
- 1881
- Operated by
- Università di Bologna – Sistema Museale di Ateneo
- Visitors per year
- approx. 22,186
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3young people aged 20 to 26, over 65s, guided groups (10–20 people), FAI cards and Almae Matris Alumni cards |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 19 · Free admission for under 20s. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and one companion. |
Free admission also for students and staff of the University of Bologna, teachers with ID card, journalists, tour guides, ICOM and ANMS cards, Card Cultura holders and students of the Accademia di Belle Arti. Tickets can be bought online via Ticketlandia.
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
Accessibility sheets for hearing and mobility impairments can be downloaded from the website.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 19 |
|---|
- Baby changing facilities
Baby Pit Stop area for breastfeeding and changing babies.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Coat check
The website lists a cloakroom, bookshop and toilets.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Self-guided visits for individuals and groups; groups of more than 10 people must book by email. Guided and educational visits on request for individuals, groups, schools, university groups and summer camps. |
