Comune di Stazzano Museo civico storia naturale
Museum | Stazzano | Piemonte | Italy
The Museo Civico di Storia Naturale in Stazzano, a municipality in the province of Alessandria, Piedmont, is a significant center for the research and presentation of the natural history of the region. It is located in the historic Villa Gardella, which was donated to the public good by Dr. Giuseppe Gardella in 1964.
History and Development:
In 1974, the Gruppo Naturalisti Stazzano was founded with the aim of researching and preserving the natural heritage of the area. After extensive restoration work and the collection of materials, the museum opened its doors to the public in 1980. In 1996, it was expanded to include a fifth hall dedicated to botany.
Collections and Exhibitions:
The museum is divided into two main areas:
Scienze della Terra: This department presents an impressive collection of fossils, rocks, and minerals reflecting the geological diversity of the region.
Scienze della Vita: Visitors can explore exhibitions on various animal species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Of particular note is the extensive insect collection with over 10,000 specimens, providing a deep insight into entomology.
Another highlight is the herbarium, which with over 5,000 sheets represents the largest in the province of Alessandria and makes a valuable contribution to botanical research.
Education and Research:
The museum serves not only as an exhibition space but also as an educational center. It offers scientific libraries with over 1,500 volumes and collaborates closely with the Centro di inanellamento provinciale to promote bird migration studies in the province of Alessandria.
Special Features:
The exhibitions are designed to be accessible to both professionals and the general public. Interactive elements and informative signage allow for a deep understanding of the natural history of the region.
The Museo Civico di Storia Naturale in Stazzano is thus a valuable cultural heritage site that preserves the rich biodiversity and geological history of Piedmont and makes it accessible to the public.