Museo Zoologico Cambria
University zoology museum in Messina with vertebrates, an entomological collection and marine invertebrates, open by reservation.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The animal collection belonged to the Grand Officer Francesco Cambria and was donated to the University of Messina on 6 January 1931 by his brother, General Angelo, in accordance with the wishes of the deceased. A few years later it was placed in the premises of the Institute of Zoology.
Between 1964 and 1981, under the director Arturo Bolognari, the museum was given a new layout and a more elaborate educational role, enriched by visits from students and researchers. In 1982 it was attached to the Department of Animal Biology and Marine Ecology, and from 1985 it has been located on the Papardo university campus; today it belongs to the Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences.
The collections include over 500 vertebrates, mostly large animals such as deer, mouflon, wolf, ibex and waterbirds, prepared using taxidermy techniques, as well as a small series kept in liquid. The specimens date from the late 19th and early 20th century. The museum is completed by the entomological collection of the naturalist Francesco Vitale, with around 12,000 Sicilian beetles from 90 families, and collections of molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms.
Highlights
- Over 500 taxidermied vertebrates, including large mammals and birds
- Francesco Vitale’s entomological collection with around 12,000 Sicilian beetles
- Collections of molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms
- Specimens of the fauna of the Strait of Messina
- Educational routes for schools
- Founded
- 1931
- Operated by
- Università degli Studi di Messina – Dipartimento di Scienze chimiche, biologiche, farmaceutiche ed ambientali
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
According to the Museionline register admission is free; the university brochure does not list prices.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum is in the library building of the Department, in the Sant’Agata – Papardo university complex.
Get directionsAmenities & 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
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Booking required for information and visits (organisation contact Paola Faraone, tel. 090 676 5475). The department organises guided tours and educational routes for schools. |
