Information
Landmark: Arno Lagoon Snorkeling ZonesCity: Arno Atoll
Country: Marshall Islands
Continent: Australia
Arno Lagoon Snorkeling Zones, Arno Atoll, Marshall Islands, Australia
The Museo di Storia Naturale di Venezia is a natural history museum situated in Venice, Italy.
Visual Characteristics
The museum is housed within the Fondaco dei Turchi, a historic Venetian palace. The building is constructed from Istrian stone, exhibiting a weathered, pale grey appearance. It features a Romanesque-Byzantine architectural style with multiple arches, loggias, and crenellations. The structure has four stories and a prominent central courtyard.
Location & Access Logistics
The museum is located on the Grand Canal at 4142 Santa Croce. It is accessible by public transport via Vaporetto lines 1 and 2, with the nearest stop being San Tomà, approximately 200 meters from the entrance. Driving is not feasible within the immediate vicinity due to Venice's pedestrian nature; parking is available at the Piazzale Roma garage, a 15-minute walk away.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The Fondaco dei Turchi was originally built in the 13th century as a residence for the prominent Pesaro family. It later served as a trading post and lodging for Turkish merchants, hence its name. The building underwent significant restoration in the early 20th century before becoming the seat of the Museo di Storia Naturale.
Key Highlights & Activities
Exhibits include extensive collections of zoology, paleontology, and entomology. Visitors can observe dinosaur skeletons, marine life displays, and preserved specimens of mammals and birds. The museum also features a section dedicated to the natural history of the Venetian lagoon.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available on-site. Limited seating is provided within exhibition areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the building. There are no on-site food vendors, but numerous cafes and restaurants are located within a 5-minute walk in the Santa Croce district.
Best Time to Visit
The museum is generally less crowded during weekdays, particularly in the morning. The best time of year to visit for comfortable weather in Venice is from April to June or September to October. No specific tide requirements affect museum access.
Facts & Legends
A notable feature of the museum's collection is the skeleton of a whale that washed ashore in the Venetian lagoon in the 19th century. Local lore surrounding the Fondaco dei Turchi speaks of its historical role as a bustling marketplace, filled with the sounds and smells of exotic goods brought by merchants from across the Ottoman Empire.
Nearby Landmarks
- Ca' Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art: 0.1km North-West
- Scuola Grande di San Rocco: 0.4km South
- Basilica dei Frari: 0.5km South
- Rialto Bridge: 0.8km East
- St. Mark's Square: 1.2km East