Civic Museum of Natural Science Enrico Caffi, Bergamo

The Civic Museum of Natural Science Enrico Caffi in Bergamo is a renowned natural history museum founded in 1918. It houses an impressive collection of over 55,000 artifacts, fossils, animal specimens, and plant specimens. The museum has a rich history, with origins dating back to the late 19th century when it showcased collections from the Royal Technical Institute Vittorio Emanuele II.

After gaining independence from the institute, the museum opened at Palazzo Nuovo in 1918, under the directorship of Dr. Enrico Caffi. Caffi's extensive projects reorganized and cataloged the museum's findings, enriching its collection and preserving historical testimonies. The museum underwent significant relocations, reopening in 1928 at a new venue with dedicated sections for minerals, fossils, and ethnography.

Under the leadership of subsequent directors, the museum expanded its collections and scientific research efforts. In 1960, the Visconti Complex at Piazza Citadella became the museum's headquarters, offering additional space for conservation and studies. Today, the museum features exhibition areas, offices, laboratories, and collection storage facilities. Recent expansions include temporary exhibition halls, educational laboratories, and sensory pathways for the visually impaired, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity.