Museo Storia Naturale - La Specola (Museum of Natural History), Florence

Editor's Note: Currently closed for refurbishment works, this museum is expected to reopen sometime in 2023.

Amidst the historical churches and architectural marvels surrounding Florence is the oldest science museums in Europe. Focused on Zoology and Natural History, it was established by the Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo di Lorena, who envisioned a museum that would be open to the public and purchased a block of buildings very close to the Pitti Palace to serve this purpose. The museum was inaugurated in 1775 and, up until the 19th century, was the only scientific museum in the world with open admission, opening hours, guided tours and museum curators.

Spanning across 34 rooms, La Specola showcases an extensive array of exhibits that encompass fossils, minerals, natural resources, animal specimens, exotic plants, and rare books. The collection includes artifacts dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, reflecting the passion and collecting tradition of the Medici family, who sourced treasures from around the globe.

Notably, the museum's most prized possession is its collection of anatomical wax models, which were introduced as a revolutionary art form by Ludovico Cigoli. These intricately crafted wax models were specifically designed for teaching anatomy, providing a valuable educational tool that eliminated the need to dissect human cadavers.