MUSEUM OF NATURE AND HUMANKIND

A wealth of 200 thousand natural and anthropological exhibits, built up over centuries. A merger of four collections — Mineralogy, Geology & Paleontology, Zoology and Anthropology — associated historically with the University of Padua. A scientific narration of planet Earth as an evolving system, describing the diversity of humankind and the environment, and the relationships between them, using multimedia and interactive methods for the ultimate learning experience. To round off the celebrations marking 800 years since its foundation, the University of Padua offers this opportunity for participation and scientific citizenship to schools, to the city and to tourists.

Located opposite the Scrovegni Chapel — partner in a symbolic dialogue between knowledge and art — this is the showcase project in a scientific museum-centric ecosystem that runs through the city, connecting the museum with the Palazzo del Bo, the Botanical Garden (UNESCO heritage site) and the various university museums, giving Padua a unique identity in Italy and in Europe.

What to see

Nature and cultures

The splendid ethnographic collections illustrate how different peoples have adapted to their surrounding environments through culture. The key to understanding the entire section lies in observing the biocultural evolution that has characterized our species.

An astonishing and endangered biodiversity

The living beings that populate the Earth are all interconnected, as narrated by the Tree of Life, a grand multimedia installation that opens the journey into the world of animals.

The Hall of Palms and the treasures of Palazzo Cavalli

The Museo della Natura e dell'Uomo is a treasure chest full of precious treasures, but the chest itself is a treasure. Entering the Museum means opening your eyes to wonders in wonder: the splendid frescoed halls of the sixteenth-century Palazzo Cavalli accompany visitors on a journey through time and space.

Earth, a vast evolving system

A journey that takes us from the formation of the Solar System to the Anthropocene through an immersive trip to the center of the Earth and the evidence that testifies to the continuous evolution of our planet.

From the appearance of life to Homo sapiens

Fossils allow us to reconstruct the history of life on Earth. What are they? How do they form? What information do they contain? Fabulous exhibits and multimedia installations answer these questions, taking visitors on an out-and-out journey through time.

From Africa to Eurasia: the great mosaic of human biodiversity

From the Geological Time, we transition to the Time of Man, the Anthropocene: visitors find themselves immersed in the African landscape that witnessed our origin as a species. From those sun-baked lands, humans have repeatedly ventured out, expanding into Eurasia starting 120,000 years ago.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

The Museum is open with the following hours:

From Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. (last admission at 6 p.m.)

Closed on non-holiday Mondays

From Thursday 1 October 2026

from Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (last admission at 5 p.m.)
Saturdays, Sundays and on holidays 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (last admission at 6 p.m.)

Closed on non-holiday Mondays, 25 December, 1 January

Find out opening hours

Schools and groups

Guided tours

Padua City of Science

Thanks to the University, two 16th century sites in Padua still exist today — the first permanent anatomical theatre and the world’s first university botanical garden — combining with the 18 finest years in the life of Galileo to make this city the cradle of modern science.

Find out how to visit the places of science in Padua

Find out more