Natural History Museum : During the early 1700s, the 'rooms of wonders' became popular for showcasing collections of creatures rarely seen by Venetians at that time
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Natural History Museum

Fossils, dinosaurs & natural wonders

Museum of natural history exploring millions of years of life through fossils, rare specimens, and discoveries from Venetian expeditions.

Grand Canal Civic Museums Virtual Tours With Kids

What makes this place special

A historic riverside palace

The museum occupies the Fondaco dei Turchi, a 13th-century palace that later became the residence and trading center for Venice's Ottoman merchants. Its distinctive architecture is as much a highlight as the collections inside.

700 million years of natural history

The exhibitions span three main themes, from fossils and paleontology to the history of scientific collecting and the remarkable diversity of life on Earth.

Beautifully curated exhibits

Thoughtfully designed displays combine historic collections with modern presentation, including interactive exhibits that make the museum engaging for visitors of all ages.

Dinosaurs and giants of the sea

A highlight is the 7-meter (23-foot) Ouranosaurus nigeriensis fossil, along with an 18-meter (60-foot) fin whale skeleton hanging dramatically from the ceiling.

Natural History Museum : The centerpiece of the museum: a fossilized Ouranosaurus nigerensis, unearthed during an expedition in the Nigerian Sahara

Discover more about Natural History Museum through 19 photos with explanations.

Open gallery

What to experience here

  • Spark curiosity and a love of exploration in young visitors.
  • Embark on a journey through the rich complexity of living forms.
  • See an example of a Wunderkammer, a Renaissance 'room of wonders' filled with rare and curious treasures from far-off lands.
  • Trace Venetian explorers' daring journeys deep into Africa.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased on site or booked online in advance.

While advance booking isn't usually necessary here, online tickets let you skip the ticket queue and head straight inside.

Included with official Venice passes

Alternatively, you can visit the museum with either the MUVE Museum Pass or the Venezia Unica Pass.

The MUVE Museum Pass includes entry to all of Venice's civic museums, including the Doge's Palace.

Doge's Palace : The Chamber of the Great Council is the largest and most majestic chamber in the palace

It is valid for six months from the date of purchase, and you can visit at any time without an advance reservation.

Museum Pass : museums covered

The Venezia Unica Pass includes all the benefits of the MUVE Museum Pass, while adding access to additional attractions across the city, such as Scuola Grande dei Carmini and Fondazione Querini Stampalia. You can also add a public transport pass, creating a convenient all-in-one option for exploring Venice.

Venezia Unica : what's included

Virtual tour

Still undecided whether to go?

Explore the museum's collections on Google Arts & Culture, from the comfort of your current location.

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How everything is connected

Site of another popular museum

Before becoming a natural history museum in 1923, the Fondaco housed what is now the central Museo Correr.

Visit the Correr Museum

Another Fondaco

Another historical warehouse is Fondaco dei Tedeschi ('of the germans').

Once the only shopping mall in Venice, it's currently closed.

Find out more

Start exploring

Caution with younger kids

Some exhibits might be disturbing for younger kids, i.e. the taxidermy section, some mummified remains or the famous mermaid-monkey.

What to see nearby

These attractions are within walking distance of Natural History Museum:

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And more collections you can visit through virtual tours:

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