Università di Firenze Museo Zoologico "La Specola", Natural history museum near Pitti Palace, Florence, Italy
The Museo Zoologico "La Specola" is a natural history museum in Florence housing a collection of preserved animal specimens and scientific objects. The holdings span multiple rooms and display both extinct species and historical objects related to the study of nature.
The museum was established in 1775 by Grand Duke Peter Leopold, bringing together natural objects that the Medici family had gathered over many generations. This significant collection grew from the desire to make knowledge of nature publicly available.
The wax anatomical models reflect how people once studied the human body before modern medicine, crafted with remarkable detail by specialized artisans. These works were educational tools that reveal what mattered to scientists and artists of their time.
The museum is located on Via Romana and opens on most days of the week, so checking hours ahead of your visit is helpful. Plan enough time to explore the different exhibition rooms and view the collections at a comfortable pace.
The museum includes an astronomical tower with an octagonal hall featuring windows that offer views across the entire city of Florence. This tower was a later addition and reflects the scientific interest of the era in observation and measurement.
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