Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Morbegno
Museum | Morbegno | Lombardia | Italy
The Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Morbegno is an important natural history museum in the province of Sondrio, Lombardy, Italy. It was founded in 1974 and has been located in the historic Palazzo Gualteroni in the center of Morbegno since 1983. The museum is dedicated to the collection, conservation, and presentation of materials from the natural environment of the Central Alps, especially the province of Sondrio and adjacent areas.
Collections and Exhibitions
The museum's exhibitions are divided into two main sections:
Geosciences Section: This section includes three rooms on the ground floor and provides a comprehensive overview of the geological and morphological features of the province of Sondrio. The exhibits include numerous rock and mineral collections, including some particularly notable pieces. One outstanding exhibit is a fossil branch of Cassinisia orobica, an endemic conifer species from the Valtellina, which serves as a symbol of the museum.
Faunal Section: This section covers the ground floor and the first floor and presents a diverse collection of animals from the region. It includes an exhibition of fish, amphibians, and reptiles, showcases of birds, as well as large dioramas depicting various natural habitats. Special attention is given to showcases featuring wolves and bears, as well as an exhibition of antlers and horns of hoofed animals. A notable exhibit is the skull of a female brown bear, shot on July 4, 1887 in Val Gerola.
In addition, there is an insect collection and a wall displaying herbarium samples of representative plant species.
Educational and Research Activities
The museum is actively engaged in scientific research and promoting natural history knowledge. It regularly organizes temporary exhibitions, guided tours, workshops, excursions, and special projects for schools. Additionally, activities for families and themed children's birthday parties are offered. The museum is also a center for hosting courses, specialized seminars, and lectures on various natural history topics.
Overall, the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Morbegno is a valuable resource for the exploration and understanding of the natural environment of the Central Alps, offering visitors of all ages the opportunity to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
