Natural History Museum G. Doria - a room filled with suitcases and a display case
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Natural History Museum G. Doria

4.5
·1k reviews·Genova, Italy

Explore vast collections of taxidermy, fossils, and rocks at Genoa's extensive Natural History Museum G. Doria.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Natural History Museum G. Doria - a room filled with suitcases and a display case

Natural History Museum G. Doria

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore vast collections of taxidermy, fossils, and rocks at Genoa's extensive Natural History Museum G. Doria.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"Absolutely amazing natural history museum. It's extremely extensive to the point of exhaustion."

Vertical photo
TIP

Download the Museum App

Enhance your visit with detailed info and a self-guided tour. :iphone:

Embrace the Taxidermy

Some older pieces are dated, others hilariously so! Enjoy the unique charm. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vast Mammal Hall

Vast Mammal Hall

Main Exhibition Halls

Thousands of taxidermied birds and mammals create an awe-inspiring, if sometimes eerie, display of biodiversity.

Fossil & Rock Collections

Fossil & Rock Collections

Geology Section

Explore ancient life with impressive displays of fossils and a diverse array of geological specimens.

Insect & Butterfly Gallery

Insect & Butterfly Gallery

Entomology Section

A vibrant and detailed collection showcasing the intricate beauty of countless insect species.

Amphibia Exhibition

Amphibia Exhibition

Special Exhibition Area

Discover the fascinating world of amphibians through scientific and photographic displays.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

This extensive museum can be overwhelming. Visit on a weekday morning to avoid peak crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, as the space isn't air-conditioned. Download the museum's app for a richer self-guided experience.

Taxidermy & Information

The museum boasts vast collections, but some older taxidermy can appear dated or even humorous. While informative, some exhibits may lack detailed information, so consider the app or a guided tour for deeper insights.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Cooler days
Why
Museum isn't air-conditioned
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Pelobatrachus nasutus calling at my exhibition AMPHIBIA at the Natural History Museum “G. Doria” in Genova (Italy). AMPHIBIA is a scientific and photographic exhibition I ideated with Francesco Tomasinelli to talk about Amphibians, their ways of life and their conservation issues. With the collaboration of @museo_storia_naturale_genova @cnrsocial and @admgenova #amphibiagenova #mostraamphibia #...
emanuele_biggi
539 likes • 5.4K views

Download the Museum App

Enhance your visit with detailed info and a self-guided tour. :iphone:

Embrace the Taxidermy

Some older pieces are dated, others hilariously so! Enjoy the unique charm. :camerawithflash:

Mating couple of Pipa carvalhoi at the exhibition “Amphibia” at the Natural History Museum “G. Doria” in Genoa, Italy. This morning there was a lot of calling (the buzz-clicking sound you can hear in this video) and a couple was actually making it with lots of eggs already laid on the female’s back! @cnrsocial @admgenova @museo_storia_naturale_genova @emanuele_biggi @francesco_tomasinelli #mostr...
emanuele_biggi
279 likes • 3.5K views

Plan for Exhaustion

The museum is extensive; pace yourself and focus on your interests. :walking:

Kid-Friendly Fun

Great for children with rich collections of insects, birds, and mammals. :child:

Tips

from all over the internet

Download the Museum App

Enhance your visit with detailed info and a self-guided tour. :iphone:

Embrace the Taxidermy

Some older pieces are dated, others hilariously so! Enjoy the unique charm. :camerawithflash:

Plan for Exhaustion

The museum is extensive; pace yourself and focus on your interests. :walking:

Kid-Friendly Fun

Great for children with rich collections of insects, birds, and mammals. :child:

Check for Temporary Exhibits

Special exhibitions like 'Amphibia' add extra value to your visit. :star:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Natural History Museum G. Doria for its extensive and diverse collections, particularly the vast mammal and insect displays, and its very reasonable ticket prices. While some find the sheer scale overwhelming and note that some older taxidermy is dated, the museum is highly recommended for its educational value and suitability for families.

"Absolutely amazing natural history museum. It's extremely extensive to the point of exhaustion. It exhibits thousands of species and fossils. It consists of 3 parts. And the ticket prices are absolutely reasonable. Very highly recommended. (At the time of this review there was a snake exhibition as well - temporary feature)"

G Kom

"Insightful and interesting—especially if you download the app. The place relies on taxidermy for stuff which can be both frighteningly real and also a little ridiculous when it comes to some of the older pieces. Take your self-guided journey on a cool day, as the space isn’t air-conditioned. Look out for the last wolf of Italy."

Andrew Rice

"One of the places in Genoa that you must visit. (The Snake exhibition is temporary, but the other parts of the exhibition are permanent.)"

Sepehr Mohammady

What People Like

Extensive collections
Reasonable ticket prices
Great for kids

What People Dislike

Can be overwhelming
Dated taxidermy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is centrally located in Genoa. You can reach it by public transport, including buses that stop nearby. Walking from the city center is also a pleasant option if you're staying close by. Check local transport apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.

Parking in Genoa can be challenging. There are paid parking garages in the vicinity, but it's often easier to use public transportation or walk if possible. Research parking options in advance if you plan to drive.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices are considered very reasonable by visitors. It's always best to check the official museum website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts or special offers.

Opening hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the museum's official website before your visit. Weekday mornings are often less crowded, and the museum is a great option for a cool day out.

While not always strictly necessary, booking tickets in advance can save you time, especially during peak tourist seasons. Check the museum's website for online booking options.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

No, the museum is not air-conditioned, so it can get warm inside, especially on hot days. Visiting on a cooler day or during cooler hours is advisable for a more comfortable experience. Reddit

The museum is very extensive, so it's easy to get overwhelmed. Downloading the museum's app is highly recommended for a self-guided tour and deeper insights into the exhibits. Reddit

Information on guided tours is not widely available online, but it's worth checking the museum's official website or inquiring at the information desk upon arrival. The app provides a good alternative for self-guided exploration.

Visitors often rave about the vast mammal and bird collections, as well as the extensive insect and fossil displays. The 'Amphibia' exhibition has also received positive mentions. Reddit+1

Absolutely! It's considered a perfect place to visit with kids, offering rich collections of butterflies, bugs, birds, fish, and mammals that are sure to capture their attention. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed in most areas of the museum. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially in temporary exhibition areas or if using flash photography.

The grand halls filled with taxidermied animals, intricate insect displays, and impressive fossil formations offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The 'Amphibia' exhibition also provides unique shots. TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Natural History Museum G. Doria is an excellent choice for families. Its rich collections of butterflies, bugs, birds, and mammals are incredibly engaging for children, offering a fun and educational experience. Reddit The sheer volume of specimens means there's always something new to discover, keeping young visitors entertained. Consider downloading the museum's app to make the visit more interactive and informative for kids. Reddit

While the museum isn't air-conditioned, visiting on a cooler day or during the morning hours can help ensure a comfortable experience for the whole family. Reddit The reasonable ticket prices also make it an accessible outing for families looking for an enriching activity without breaking the bank. Reddit

Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Natural History Museum G. Doria offers exceptional value. The ticket prices are consistently described as very reasonable, making it an affordable way to spend several hours immersed in natural history. Reddit The extensive collections mean you get a lot of 'bang for your buck,' with countless exhibits to explore. Reddit

To maximize your visit without additional costs, downloading the museum's app is a smart move, providing a wealth of information that would otherwise require a paid guide. Reddit Visiting on a weekday can also help avoid potential weekend crowds, allowing for a more relaxed and cost-effective experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Collections

The Natural History Museum G. Doria is renowned for its vast and diverse collections, spanning zoology, paleontology, and mineralogy. Visitors can expect to see thousands of taxidermied birds and mammals, meticulously preserved insects, and an impressive array of rocks and fossils. The sheer scale of these exhibits can be overwhelming, offering a comprehensive look at the natural world. Some reviews note that while the quantity of specimens is astounding, the information provided for some exhibits can be sparse, making the museum's app a valuable companion for a deeper understanding. Reddit+1

Particular highlights include the mammal hall, which presents a striking panorama of animal life, and the insect gallery, celebrated for its vibrant displays of butterflies and other arthropods. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, such as the 'Amphibia' showcase, which has garnered attention for its scientific and photographic approach to amphibian life and conservation. TikTok+1

For those interested in geology, the fossil and rock collections offer a journey through Earth's history. From ancient marine life to geological formations, these exhibits provide a fascinating glimpse into the planet's past. The museum's commitment to showcasing a wide range of natural history makes it a compelling destination for both casual visitors and serious enthusiasts.

Visitor Experience & Tips

The visitor experience at the Natural History Museum G. Doria is often described as insightful and interesting, though some find the extensive nature of the museum to be exhausting. A key piece of advice from visitors is to download the museum's app before your visit, as it significantly enhances the self-guided experience and provides much-needed context for the exhibits. Reddit

It's important to note that the museum is not air-conditioned, so planning your visit for a cooler day or during cooler hours is highly recommended to ensure comfort. Reddit While the taxidermy is a major draw, some older pieces are noted for being dated, which can be perceived as either frighteningly real or hilariously bad depending on your perspective. Reddit This unique aspect adds to the museum's character and can be a source of amusement. Reddit

For families, the museum is a perfect place to visit with kids, offering engaging displays of butterflies, bugs, birds, and mammals that are sure to keep young minds captivated. Reddit The ticket prices are consistently praised as absolutely reasonable, adding to the overall value of the visit. Reddit

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