About the museum


History of the Geological and Palaeontological Museum of Padova University

The origin of the Geological and Palaeontological Museum is from the collection of natural curiosities of Antonio Vallisneri senior (1734): at his death, the son, Antonio Vallisneri junior , gave his father's collection to the Padova University, to be further enriched in the following centuries by contributions of several scholars.

The contributions of Tommaso Antonio Catullo, Roberto De Visiani, Achille De Zigno, Giovanni Omboni, Giorgio Dal Piaz, Giovanni Battista Dal Piaz were particularly important. The palaeontological collections were initially displayed in the University main building, Palazzo del Bo, until they were transferred to their present location at Palazzo Cavalli in 1932.

Palazzo Cavalli was built during the 16 th century and decorated by frescoes in the 17 th century. The top floor frescoes were painted in 18 th century by L. Dorigny when the palace became the abode of Cavally family. In 19 th century the Palace was also used as Austrian custom-house.

At beginning of the 20 th century Palazzo Cavalli hosted the School of Engineering before housing the Institute of Geology with its geological and palaeontological collections.
Due to restoration works performed on the wall paintings, part of the museum collections had to be stored and access to the exibition halls closed. Today, the Vertebrate and Plant Halls are partially opened to visitors.

The first floor hall, now Library of the Department of Geology, Palaeontology and Geophysics