Museo universitario di zoologia e anatomia comparata

About the museum

The museum descends from the Natural History Museum of the Este duchy, founded in 1776 by a decree of Duke Francesco III d’Este. Its first collection was the bequest of Bishop Fogliani, who dedicated his private collection to the young scholars of the duchy. Through bequests and purchases between 1830 and 1845 the holdings grew rapidly, especially in ornithology, also thanks to donations from Duke Francesco IV, who sent exotic animals bred at court and local fauna.

Today the museum is on the third floor of the university’s central building, at Via Università 4 in the historic centre of Modena. The collections include about 3,300 vertebrates, mostly taxidermied, a malacological collection of some 7,000 specimens, several hundred entomological boxes and the same number of specimens preserved in liquid.

The museum promotes scientific culture and offers educational activities for schools of every level, with workshops such as “Il bosco misterioso”, “La vita nello stagno” or “Gli animali della savana”. According to the opening-times page, it currently opens to the public only on special occasions.

Highlights

• About 3,300 vertebrates, mostly taxidermied
• Malacological collection of about 7,000 specimens
• 19th-century ornithological collection linked to the Este duchy
• Educational workshops for schools

Permanent exhibition

• Collezioni zoologiche – Taxidermied and preserved vertebrates, invertebrates and a malacological collection.

Founded

1776

Operated by

Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Visitors per year

approx. 10,000

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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 museum is on the third floor of the university building.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Educational workshops for school classes on themes such as woodland, ponds, insects and savanna animals.

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.

Plan your visit