The Natural Science Museum in Voghera: palaeontology, minerals and biodiversity in the Oltrepò Pavese area

In the heart of the city of Voghera, inside the historic former cavalry barracks, is a precious place for lovers of nature, fossils and earth sciences: the Natural Science Museum, one of the most complete in the Oltrepò Pavese area. Born from a private initiative, it is now a civic reality open to all, where science meets the history of the territory.

A museum born from a shared passion

The museum was founded in 1971 by a group of friends united by their love of palaeontology and mineralogy. After years of work and collections, it was completed in 1978, when the first section, entirely dedicated to fossils, was opened. It was not until the early 1980s that the museum officially became a civic museum, thanks to the complete donation of the collections to the municipality.

A journey through fossils, crystals, animals and archaeology

The exhibition is divided into several sections:

• Palaeontology: the oldest and most complete, with fossil specimens that tell the geological history of the Oltrepò Pavese and beyond.
• Mineralogy: a very rich collection, recently expanded thanks to a generous private donation. Crystals, rocks and minerals to observe and discover.
• Zoology: introduced in more recent years, it houses a varied exhibition of animal species that allows visitors to learn more about the biodiversity of the area.
• Archaeology: a section currently being reorganised, intended to complete the museum offer with artefacts and evidence of human presence in the past.

The museum is also a centre for research and scientific dissemination, and collaborates with schools, organisations and institutions to promote environmental and naturalistic culture.

Useful information for the visit

• Name: Natural Science Museum
• Address: Via Gramsci 1, 27058 Voghera (PV) – former Cavalry Barracks
• Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
• Admission: free
• Guided tours: by prior arrangement (€2.00 per person – €1.00 for groups of 15 persons or more)
• Contact: contact the Municipality of Voghera or the museum for bookings and up-to-date information
• Accessibility: public facility, partially accessible; advance check for possible barriers recommended
• How to get there: Voghera is connected by rail and easily reached by car from Pavia and the entire south-western area of Lombardy. Car parks are available nearby.