For the animal lovers visiting Rome, a visit to the Civic Museum of Zoology is a must! Located next to the Zoological Garden (Bioparc to the locals), this natural history museum will have you in awe from the moment you enter.

Founded in 1932, Rome's Museum of Zoology is the result of a convention by the Sapienza University of Rome and the municipality of Rome; in fact, one of the main missions of the museum is educational nature. There are many workshops organized at the museum in collaboration with other associations and institutions in order to share the concepts of natural history and evolution with the public.

Explore its 18-room display consisting of collections that date back to the late 18th century. With more than five million specimens (including insects, birds, mammals, fossils and molluscs) from different regions of the world, visitors will gain much knowledge on a guided tour from the different interactive stations and 3D reconstructions.

Considered one of the most important in Europe, the osteological collection (mounted skeletons) is one of the main features of the museum. Get an up-close look at the skeleton of an African elephant or head to the Whale Room and admire the skeleton of a large whale that hangs from the ceiling.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00am to 7:00pm. It can be reached easily by public transportation, car, or by foot. If you are taking public transportation, take bus lines 223 or 910 to Bioparco/Mercadante or tram number 2, 3 or 19 to the Bioparco stop which is just a short walk from the museum.