The Museum of Nature and Humankind in Padua: A Guide to Palazzo Cavalli

Padua is home to the Museum of Nature and Humankind of the University of Padua, the largest university scientific museum in Italy. It is a museum hub of European significance that offers an unparalleled cognitive experience, comparable to the most famous geological and anthropological cultural sites on the continent.

The numbers of a record-breaking exhibition

The museum spans an impressive area of 3,800 square meters divided into 38 exhibition rooms, spread across three floors. In addition, there is a room for temporary exhibitions of 300 square meters, along with large technical and service areas. The exhibition path is the result of an extensive curation and restoration effort: more than 3,500 historical artifactsare on display, over 3,200 of which were restored specifically for the opening. The layout is extremely modern and interactive. Inside the rooms, you will find:

• 193 exhibition cases;

• 89 multimedia exhibits and interactive stations;

• 80 room panels and 31 full-wall graphics for an immersive narrative;

• 25 tactile models in the zoology section, designed for full accessibility.

A coherent journey through Mineralogy, Geology, and Zoology

The Museum of Nature and Humankind was born from an ambitious project: to merge the rich naturalistic collections built over centuries by scholars and explorers of the Paduan University. In a single coherent path, the pre-existing university museums have been integrated:

• Mineralogy: This collection is one of the oldest in the world, with pieces dating back to Antonio Vallisneri’s 18th-century collection. Among the museum’s 193 display cases, giant crystals, very rare meteorites, and a section dedicated to precious stones illustrate the formation of minerals in the depths of the Earth.

• Geology and Paleontology: Here, the journey goes back billions of years. The collection boasts unique findings, such as the fossil fish from Bolca and the iconic Bolca Palms, evidence of an era when the Veneto region was a tropical sea. There are also skeletons of dinosaurs and marine reptiles that once dominated prehistoric oceans.

• Zoology: This is perhaps the most visually spectacular section. Large whale skeletons are suspended from the ceilings, while the rooms house historical taxidermy specimens, including the famous African elephant. There are 25 tactile models that allow for an inclusive experience, making zoology accessible through touch.

• Anthropology: This section investigates the origin of our species and human cultural diversity. Through archaeological and ethnographic artifacts collected during the University’s scientific expeditions, the museum tells the story of how humans have adapted to the planet’s different ecosystems.

Visitors are guided through a gripping narrative that recounts the history of our planet from its beginnings, over four billion years ago, to the complexity of the present day. The graphic and multimedia apparatus transforms the visit into a global story where scientific research becomes heritage for everyone.

Palazzo Cavalli

The name of the complex is due to the Cavalli family, a noble lineage of Veronese origin that settled in Padua and Venice, becoming one of the most influential families in the area. It was Marino Cavalli, ambassador of the Republic of Venice, who commissioned the construction of the palace’s original core around the mid-16th century. Choosing this specific area was no coincidence: the palace was strategically located near the Porte Contarine, the monumental water gate that represented the main point of access to Padua for those arriving from the Lagoon.

During the 18th century, the palace underwent an artistic transformation that made it unique: the interiors were enriched by a cycle of frescoes by Louis Dorigny, a French painter very active in the Veneto region, who decorated the rooms with mythological and allegorical scenes of extraordinary elegance. Despite being acquired by the University of Padua at the end of the 19th century to be transformed into a scientific site, the palace has retained the name of its founding family. Furthermore, walking through the rooms of the Museum of Nature and Humankind today, it is still possible to admire the stuccos by Abbondio Stazio, which testify to the luxury and prestige the Cavalli family wished to bestow upon their city residence.

Casa al Carmine

The location of Casa al Carmine in Piazza Mazzini is ideal for those who wish to visit Palazzo Cavalli without stress. Our property is located just 700 meters from the railway station, and the museum is reachable with a pleasant walk of only 8 minutes.

Therefore, you can manage your visit in total freedom, perhaps dedicating the morning to discovering the scientific collections and then continuing towards the nearby Squares or the Scrovegni Chapel. Staying with us means having Italy’s largest university scientific museum literally around the corner. Click HERE to check availability and secure the best rate for your stay in Padua!

Useful Information for the Visit

• Opening days: From Tuesday to Sunday (closed on non-holiday Mondays).

• Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last entry allowed at 6:00 PM).

• Address: Palazzo Cavalli, Corso del Popolo / Via Giotto, Padua.

• Distance from Casa al Carmine: 8-minute walk.