Regional Museum of Natural Sciences, Turin: Director Marco Fino speaks

The Regional Museum of Natural Sciences in Turin is undergoing a development plan to open new exhibition areas and to enhance historically important collections. In this interview Director Eng. Marco Fino explains the construction phases, collection size and public engagement strategies.

Spaces, organization and expansion

The museum occupies roughly 22,000 m² in total, with about 10,000 m² reserved for exhibitions. Currently, approximately 2,000 m² are open to visitors. Ongoing works aim to increase available areas as follows:

• 2,000 m² of additional exhibition space soon to open;
• around 1,000 m² for reception areas and courtyards, including the restoration of the historic access from via Giolitti;
• a project for two new zoological storage facilities totaling 1,000 m².

The current visitor entrance is on via Accademia Albertina 15, while plans foresee moving the institutional entrance to via Giovanni Giolitti 36 in the future.

The collections: scale and historical value

The museum safeguards a significant scientific and historical heritage. Depositories hold about 7 million specimens, including an entomological collection of roughly 4.5 million items. Other sections contain approximately 500,000 specimens each. Many objects originate from university collections dating back to the mid-18th century and from historic exploration campaigns.

Education and public engagement

The museum's educational approach focuses on fostering curiosity and learning through a variety of offers for schools and visitors:

• guided tours tailored to different age groups;
• hands-on laboratory activities to practice scientific methods;
• exhibitions designed to combine scientific content and visual appeal to engage audiences.

Partnerships and research

The museum works closely with the University of Turin, owner of many collections, and is negotiating a new agreement to strengthen scientific and educational collaboration. It also cooperates with local museums, regional partners and international institutions on research projects, including studies of historic specimens with overseas partners.

Outlook

With the opening of new exhibition areas and specialized storage, the Regional Museum of Natural Sciences in Turin intends to broaden public access, support scientific research and expand educational programs, reinforcing its role as a centre for natural sciences in the Piedmont region.