KOSMOS – Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Università di Pavia

Among Pavia’s cultural treasures, the University Natural History Museum, founded in 1771 as part of the Habsburg reforms and which immediately established itself as a centre of excellence for European scientific research.

Since 21 September 2019, the museum has given itself a new look, creating Kosmos, a modern and interactive exhibition. Derived from the Greek word evoking the idea of “order”, Kosmos offers a fascinating exploration of the universe, the natural world and human ingenuity, weaving together modern science with the history of scientific discovery.

The new exhibition space covers 1,400 square metres, comprising 11 permanent galleries and a large semi-circular space set aside for temporary exhibitions:

• The Origins (Rooms 1–3): Dedicated to the famous founder, Lazzaro Spallanzani.
• Great thinkers: A journey through the cornerstones of the natural sciences with Carl Linnaeus (the classification of species), Alexander von Humboldt (biogeography), Georges Cuvier (paeontology) and Charles Darwin (evolution).
• The History of the Earth and the Future: The palaeontology and mass extinctions gallery, which prompts reflection on the future of the planet and the protection of biodiversity.

Experiences and Services

• The Deposits: By prior arrangement, visitors can access the collections, which house an extraordinary wealth of material relating to comparative anatomy and vertebrate zoology.
• Teaching and Accessibility: In collaboration with ADMaiora, the museum organises guided tours, workshops and activities tailored to schools, families and visitors with disabilities.
• Events: Kosmos’s programme is constantly enriched by temporary exhibitions, special initiatives and cultural events throughout the year.