Kosmos – Museum of Natural History of the University of Pavia

In Pavia, a city renowned for its long-standing academic tradition, the Museum of Natural History has reopened under a new name that evokes the universe and its harmony: Kosmos. This institution is not merely a repository of scientific specimens, but a living testament to the research, curiosity, and passion for knowledge that have characterized the University of Pavia for centuries. Kosmos represents the meeting point between a centuries-old history and a contemporary vision — a place where the scientific story of our planet and our species is told in a captivating and modern way.

A Centuries-Old History, a Contemporary Vision

The roots of the museum’s collections reach back to the 18th century, when the University of Pavia — one of the oldest in Europe — began gathering and studying samples from around the world. These collections, the fruit of expeditions, scientific exchanges, and donations, formed the foundation of the university’s research for generations. Today, in its renovated home and with a renewed identity, Kosmos transforms this immense scientific heritage into a public, educational, and interactive experience, inviting visitors to reflect on the complexity and beauty of life.

The Collections: A Living Encyclopedia of Nature

The Kosmos exhibition is a thematic journey that unfolds across multiple sections, each offering a deep dive into a specific aspect of natural history. The collections — both vast and invaluable — form what can be described as a living encyclopedia of the natural world.

• Zoology: The museum’s crown jewel is its extraordinary zoological collection, comprising hundreds of thousands of specimens of vertebrates and invertebrates. Visitors can admire life-sized reconstructions of large animals, skeletons of extinct species, and a fascinating variety of taxidermy specimens. Many of these items, collected by naturalists and explorers of past centuries, hold immense historical and scientific value.
• Paleontology and Geology: This section offers a thrilling journey through geological time. Through fossils, prehistoric animal skeletons, and reconstructions, the museum narrates the great extinctions and the evolution of life on Earth. The collection includes rare finds from Lombardy, such as fossils of large mammals, while the geological section — rich in minerals and rocks — provides the scientific context for understanding the natural forces that shaped our planet.
• Botany and Ethnography: Kosmos also hosts botanical and ethnographic collections, exploring the relationship between humans and nature. These exhibits document the uses of plants and the many ways human cultures have interacted with and interpreted the natural environment.

Beyond the Exhibition: A Center for Science and Education

Kosmos is far more than an exhibition space. It serves as a vibrant research center for the University of Pavia, where its historic collections continue to be studied and analyzed. The museum also plays a key role in scientific outreach, with interactive exhibits, educational workshops, and programs designed for all ages. Its mission is to foster scientific curiosity, promote environmental awareness, and connect the public to the world of academic research.

Visitor Information

• Address: Piazza Botta, 9 – Pavia (PV)
• Contacts:
  • Phone: +39 0382 986220
• Opening hours: Tuesday–Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; closed on Monday.
• Tickets: Full price €8.00, with reductions for students and other categories. Free entry on the first Sunday of each month.

Kosmos is an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Pavia — a place where the prestige of academic research meets the wonder of the natural world, inspiring a scientifically aware vision of the future.

Cover photo credits: Carolina Muscas, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0