Museo Naturalistico Archeologico

About the museum

The museum is divided into two sections, natural history and archaeology, and forms part of the Musei Civici di Vicenza. The natural history section illustrates the characteristics of the area, especially the Colli Berici, with their endemic species of flora and fauna. The archaeology section displays the most significant evidence of the ancient history of the Vicentino area, from prehistory to the age of the Lombards.

For prehistory, stone tools document the human presence on the Berici since the Middle Palaeolithic, together with the Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements of the Valli di Fimon, from which come the square-mouthed vases of Molino Casarotto. The Iron Age is represented by material from various settlements and by copper votive plaques from a sanctuary active from the 4th to the 1st century BC; the Roman age by finds from the Roman theatre of Berga, from the cryptoportico of Piazza Duomo, from amphorae and mosaics, and from a collection of ancient statuary donated in the early 19th century.

The museum occupies the two Dominican cloisters of Santa Corona: the smaller 17th-century cloister and a second cloister with Vicenza stone columns and 15th-century Gothic capitals. The convent also housed the office of the Inquisition from the late 16th to the 18th century; in 1811 the complex became a municipal college and later an Austrian military hospital.

Highlights

• Natural history section on the Colli Berici and their endemic species
• Square-mouthed vases from Molino Casarotto
• Copper votive plaques from the Iron Age
• Finds from the Roman theatre of Berga and the cryptoportico of Piazza Duomo
• Dominican cloisters of Santa Corona
• Tactile routes for partially sighted and blind visitors

Permanent exhibitions

• Sezione naturalistica – Habitats and species of the Vicentino area, in particular the Colli Berici and their endemic flora and fauna.
• Sezione archeologica – Evidence of the ancient history of the Vicentino area from prehistory to the Lombards, with finds from the Roman theatre of Berga.

Founded

1991

Operated by

Comune di Vicenza – Musei Civici

Visitors per year

approx. 12,268

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month: free admission for residents of the city and province of Vicenza.

The single ticket is valid for one day. Free admission also for ICOM members, journalists, tourist guides, and military and police personnel in uniform. Reduced rates and free admissions apply only at physical ticket offices.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Tactile routes for partially sighted and blind visitors are available in both the natural history and the archaeology sections.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum offers educational activities for schools; admission is free up to age 17.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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