Natural History Museum Calci
A 14th-century Carthusian monastery housing a vast natural history museum with dinosaurs, skeletons, and dioramas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Natural History Museum Calci
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 14th-century Carthusian monastery housing a vast natural history museum with dinosaurs, skeletons, and dioramas.
"The most exciting and biggest museum in the area, miles and miles of wonderful stuffed animals!"
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot fills up fast, especially on weekends. Get there early to secure a spot! :car:
💧 Refill Your Water Bottle
Free cold water refills are available, perfect for staying hydrated during your visit. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cabinet of Curiosities
Natural History Museum
Explore 'Wonder Rooms' filled with extraordinary objects, a 16th-century tradition.
Dinosaur Hall
Natural History Museum
Marvel at moving dinosaur displays and antique bones that bring prehistoric creatures to life.
Whale Skeletons
Natural History Museum
Be awestruck by impressive, large whale skeletons displayed dynamically.
Baroque Monastery Architecture
Carthusian Monastery
Wander through the magnificent baroque monument set in an evocative landscape.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Monastery Meets Museum Magic
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot fills up fast, especially on weekends. Get there early to secure a spot! :car:
💧 Refill Your Water Bottle
Free cold water refills are available, perfect for staying hydrated during your visit. :droplet:
🎒 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Bring your own food and enjoy it in the picnic area near the parking lot. :sandwich:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast museum and monastery. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot fills up fast, especially on weekends. Get there early to secure a spot! :car:
💧 Refill Your Water Bottle
Free cold water refills are available, perfect for staying hydrated during your visit. :droplet:
🎒 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Bring your own food and enjoy it in the picnic area near the parking lot. :sandwich:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast museum and monastery. :athletic_shoe:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
This place is huge! Plan for at least a full day to see everything. :hourglass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Natural History Museum Calci, calling it 'impressive' and 'the best museum ever.' The vast collections of stuffed animals, dinosaur exhibits, and the stunning baroque monastery setting are consistently praised. Some minor drawbacks include a lack of air conditioning and limited on-site dining options, but these are generally overshadowed by the overall excellent experience. +2
"We visited the Natural History Museum on a sudden impulse, and it turned out to be a great idea. The collection is wonderfully rich and beautiful, and I especially enjoyed the exhibition on prehistoric creatures. The building itself, a former Carthusian monastery, is stunning, and together with the exhibition it made the visit unforgettable. There is convenient parking lined with olive trees, and you can refill your water bottle with cold water for free. It’s worth planning even a full-day trip here. Some areas were temporarily closed, and in the aquarium a few large fish looked rather sad in relatively small spaces. But apart from that, it was an excellent experience and absolutely worth visiting!"
Éva Heidl
"The most exciting and biggest museum in the area, miles and miles of wonderful stuffed animals in dynamic poses, antique bones of all sorts, tropical dioramas, moving dinosaurs, live fishes, neanderthal reconstructions, a geology and flora garden, and such an antique wonderful environment!!!! Definitively impressive!! Next door you can also visit the original monastery in which the museum is located. You need to come early because the parking lot gets very crowded. You can bring your food and eat add the picnic area next to the parking lot."
Markus Florence
"This is the best museum I have ever been to. It's jam packed full with displays and endless information to take in. Only downside was lack of air conditioning throughout and really wished there was a cafe for a break and refreshments."
Sarah Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Calci, about 10 km from Pisa. You can drive there, and there's convenient parking available. Public transport options might involve buses from Pisa, but driving is often recommended for ease.
There is parking available, often lined with olive trees, but it can get very crowded, especially on weekends. Arriving early is key to securing a spot. +1
Yes, it's feasible as a day trip from Florence, though it will be a longer day. Pisa is closer, making Calci a popular excursion from there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official museum website before your visit. Some social media posts indicate it's open through November 3rd.
The museum is generally considered not expensive, offering great value for the extensive collections. Specific pricing should be confirmed on their official site.
While advance booking might not always be mandatory, it's a good idea to check their website, especially during peak seasons or for special exhibitions, to avoid disappointment.
Some visitors have reported that certain areas were temporarily closed during their visit. It's advisable to inquire about any closures upon arrival or check their website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include a vast collection of stuffed animals, antique bones, prehistoric creatures, dinosaur exhibits, dioramas, geology displays, and aquariums. The monastery itself is also a major attraction. +1
Absolutely! Kids will love the dinosaurs, moving exhibits, and the sheer scale of the animal collections. It's a fantastic place for families.
The museum is housed in a stunning 14th-century Carthusian monastery with magnificent baroque architecture, offering a unique and impressive environment for the exhibits. +1
Some visitors have noted a lack of air conditioning throughout the museum, which can make it warm during hotter months.
Information on guided tours isn't widely available on social media, but it's worth checking the museum's official website or inquiring at the information desk upon arrival.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Unfortunately, there isn't a cafe on-site, which some visitors found to be a downside. It's recommended to bring your own food or plan to eat in Calci town.
Yes, you can bring your own food and enjoy it in the designated picnic area located next to the parking lot.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or in certain exhibit areas.
The grand halls of the monastery, the impressive whale skeletons, and the detailed dioramas offer fantastic photo opportunities. The 'Cabinet of Curiosities' is also very photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of your family visit, consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the designated area, as there are no on-site dining facilities. Arriving early is also crucial to avoid crowds and ensure a smoother experience with little ones. The museum's extensive collections mean you can easily spend a full day here, keeping kids entertained and educated.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Lovers
+1The integration of the museum within this historic structure is remarkable. Visitors can appreciate the architectural details and the sheer scale of the monastery, understanding its significance as a former religious center. It's a unique opportunity to experience history and science intertwined in a truly awe-inspiring setting.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To further save money, take advantage of the free water refill stations and the picnic area for meals. By bringing your own food and drinks, you can significantly reduce your expenses while enjoying a full day of exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Monastery's Grandeur
+1Exploring the monastery's halls provides a dramatic backdrop for the natural history exhibits. The contrast between the ancient, ornate stonework and the scientific displays creates a truly immersive experience. Many visitors are struck by the sheer beauty and scale of the building, finding it as captivating as the collections within.
Beyond the museum, the monastery grounds offer a picturesque setting. The surrounding landscape and the building's imposing presence make it a memorable destination. It’s a place where history, art, and science converge, offering a rich experience for all who visit.
Exploring the Natural History Collections
Key exhibits include moving dinosaur displays that captivate younger visitors, alongside impressive whale skeletons that command attention. The museum also houses a significant geology collection and a flora garden, offering a comprehensive look at the natural world. The aquariums are also a draw, though some reviewers noted that larger fish appeared sad in smaller tanks.
For those interested in prehistoric life, the exhibition on prehistoric creatures and Neanderthal reconstructions is particularly engaging. The museum's commitment to showcasing a wide array of natural history, from the microscopic to the colossal, ensures there's something to fascinate every visitor.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit