La Specola - Museum of Natural History
Explore centuries of anatomical art, dazzling minerals, and zoological wonders in Florence's historic natural history museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
La Specola - Museum of Natural History
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore centuries of anatomical art, dazzling minerals, and zoological wonders in Florence's historic natural history museum.
"An incredible hidden gem! A must-visit for anyone who loves natural history."
Book Guided Wax Tour
Pay the small extra fee for the guided tour of anatomical waxes; it's highly recommended! :ticket:
Allow 2-3 Hours
Give yourself ample time to explore the diverse collections, especially if you opt for tours. :stopwatch:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Anatomical Wax Models
Hall of Bones
Remarkably realistic 18th-century wax models of human and animal anatomy. A scientific and artistic marvel.
Medici Mineral Collection
Mineral and Gemstone Exhibit
A stunning, well-organized display of minerals and gemstones from around the world, dating back centuries.
Zoological Displays
Zoology Galleries
Extensive taxidermy collection showcasing a vast array of animals, offering a glimpse into natural history.
Wax Botanicals
Botanical Room
Intricately crafted wax replicas of plants, some unseen for a hundred years, blending art and science.
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Special Tours
Allocate Enough Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Guided Wax Tour
Pay the small extra fee for the guided tour of anatomical waxes; it's highly recommended! :ticket:
Allow 2-3 Hours
Give yourself ample time to explore the diverse collections, especially if you opt for tours. :stopwatch:
Great for Kids
A fantastic alternative to Renaissance art for children, offering engaging science and nature. :child:
Hidden Gem Status
Often overlooked, this museum offers a unique and less crowded experience. :gem:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Guided Wax Tour
Pay the small extra fee for the guided tour of anatomical waxes; it's highly recommended! :ticket:
Allow 2-3 Hours
Give yourself ample time to explore the diverse collections, especially if you opt for tours. :stopwatch:
Great for Kids
A fantastic alternative to Renaissance art for children, offering engaging science and nature. :child:
Hidden Gem Status
Often overlooked, this museum offers a unique and less crowded experience. :gem:
Combine with Boboli
Conveniently located near Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace for a full day of exploration. :park:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Specola is lauded as an incredible hidden gem, particularly for its unique anatomical wax models and stunning mineral collection. Visitors praise its educational value and the opportunity to explore at a leisurely pace, often finding it a refreshing change from typical Florentine art. Some note that the zoological displays, while extensive, could benefit from modernization.
"I am SO GLAD I visited this incredible hidden gem!!! As a scientist and taxidermist, it was amazing to see the wax anatomy displays and specimens from the early 1800s. I was the only person in the museum today and was able to go slow and appreciate everything on display. And as a bonus, the whole 2nd floor had a mineral and gemstone exhibit that was a gorgeous collection from all over the world! If you love natural history, you MUST visit this museum!!"
Janelle Iaccino
"One of the best things to do in Florence, the collection is quite frankly incredible, some of its collections are on par or exceed the Natural History Museum in London (some of the mineral specimens and the taxidermy section).
You need to book the Hall of Bones and additional wax sculpture tours to see everything, but it’s only a couple euros extra.
A full visit will last about 2-3 hours depending on how interested you are in the exhibitions. A visit excluding the optional extras will take around 1.5-2 hours. It’s also right next to Boboli Gardens and the Pitti Palace.
Entry as of 2025: €10 for standard, €3 extra for additional exhibits (guided tour only)."
Cornelius Wulpus Wulpus
"This is a great experience for kids who’ve had enough renaissance art over a few weeks. We spent three hours here with an 8 and 11 year old. So much to see and it’s really well organized. You will have the place to yourselves."
Chad Calvert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
La Specola is located on Via Romana in Florence. It's easily accessible by foot from the city center, or you can take a local bus. Many visitors combine their visit with the nearby Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.
Yes, it's conveniently situated near the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, making it easy to plan a day of sightseeing in that area of Florence.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Standard entry is around €10, with an additional €3 for special guided tours of the anatomical waxes. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for these tours.
While not always mandatory for general entry, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if you wish to join the guided tours for the anatomical wax models.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official museum website before your visit. They are typically open during standard museum hours, but it's wise to confirm.
Occasionally, there are special events or anniversaries that offer free admission, such as the museum's 250th anniversary celebrations. Keep an eye on local event listings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
La Specola features incredible anatomical wax models, a vast mineral collection, zoological displays with taxidermy, and realistic wax botanicals. It's a unique blend of art and science. 
The anatomical wax models are incredibly detailed and realistic, which some visitors find fascinating, while others may find them intense or unsettling. It's not for the squeamish.
A standard visit without special tours can take about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you include the guided tours and spend more time with each exhibit, you could easily spend 3 hours.
Yes, many visitors find it a great alternative to traditional art museums for children, offering engaging displays of animals, minerals, and science.
While both are scientific museums in Florence, La Specola focuses on natural history (anatomy, zoology, minerals, botany), whereas the Galileo Museum is dedicated to scientific instruments and the history of science, particularly astronomy.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can change, but generally, non-flash photography is permitted for personal use in most areas. It's always best to check for signage or ask staff.
The detailed anatomical wax models, the vibrant mineral displays, and the unique taxidermy animals offer striking photographic subjects. The sheer artistry of the wax botanicals is also captivating.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 While the anatomical wax models are incredibly detailed, they might be intense for very young or sensitive children, so parental discretion is advised. However, the overall experience is highly educational and visually stimulating, offering plenty to spark curiosity. Consider booking the guided tour for the anatomical waxes if your children have a strong interest in science or biology; it can make the exhibits more accessible and engaging.
🔬 Science & Medical Enthusiasts
The mineral collection is also exceptional, rivaling some of the best in Europe. Don't skip the guided tour for the anatomical waxes; it provides crucial context and highlights the scientific and historical importance of these delicate specimens.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marvel of Wax Anatomy
These wax models were created by skilled artisans, often working in collaboration with anatomists, to achieve unparalleled accuracy. The process involved using real human and animal bodies as references, with the wax meticulously sculpted and colored to mimic living tissue.
The preservation of these delicate models over centuries is a testament to the craftsmanship and the museum's careful curation. Experiencing these anatomical displays is a profound, albeit sometimes confronting, journey into the intricacies of the human form. While some may find the anatomical waxes intense, they are a cornerstone of La Specola's unique appeal. The guided tours not only explain the scientific context but also the historical and artistic aspects of these remarkable creations.
A Treasure Trove of Minerals and Zoology
+1 This exhibit is often described as modern and well-done, featuring a dazzling array of specimens from across the globe. The museum also boasts extensive zoological displays, featuring a vast collection of taxidermied animals.
While some reviews note that this section can feel a bit dated, akin to a natural history museum from the mid-20th century, it still offers an incredible breadth of species. Visitors who appreciate natural history will find La Specola a deeply rewarding experience. The combination of meticulously preserved scientific artifacts, stunning geological specimens, and a comprehensive zoological archive creates a rich and educational environment. It’s a place where science, history, and art converge to tell the story of the natural world.
+1
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