Museo di Storia Naturale

Overview

Verona's Museo di Storia Naturale, housed in the 16th-century Palazzo Pompei, is one of Europe's oldest natural history museums. Its star attraction is the unrivaled collection of 50-million-year-old Bolca fish fossils from the Lessini Mountains.

Highlights

• Bolca Fossil Collection: Spectacularly preserved Eocene fish, plants, and insects from Monte Bolca — one of the world's most important fossil deposits.
• Zoological Galleries: Taxidermied animals, minerals, and dioramas covering regional biodiversity.
• Palazzo Pompei: The museum building itself is a fine example of Veronese Renaissance architecture by Michele Sanmicheli.

History

Founded in 1862, the museum has accumulated over 3.5 million specimens. The Bolca fossil lagerstätte, discovered in the 18th century, remains its defining collection and attracts paleontologists worldwide. The Palazzo Pompei by Sanmicheli dates to the 1530s.

Visitor Tips

• Family-friendly: The fossil galleries captivate children with their vivid preservation.
• Quiet museum: Far less crowded than the major landmarks — a peaceful visit.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.