The Art of Taxidermy: a trade serving Nature

Science and technology

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The exhibition goes along the long history of taxidermy that in their various aspects reveals the relationship between man and animals through the time. From the "trophy room" to the modern art, this technique or – better – this art, was used to preserve dead animals for a long  time. The term "taxidermy" comes from the Greek words taxis and derma and means "to put skin on position". In fact only the skin with hairs, feathers, and scales, after a chemical treatment, was put on an artificial body following carefully the animal form and dimensions.

In the natural history museums all over the world the specimens prepared with this tecnique, represent a precious both historical and scientific heritage, used by generations of scientists and naturalists. Still now, as in the past, taxidermist is a fundamental figure in a natural history museum. In fact thanks to him the dead animals could be recover and preserved either to be studied or to be showed to the visitors. This exhibit wants to bring in the public to the "secrets" of this trade that, working behind the scene in a museum, is serving the Nature.

A good dexterity, anatomical knowledge and an artistic sense, together with love and respect to the animals, are the ingredients to obtain a good taxidermic preparation. Over 50 specimens, among big mammals and beautiful birds, are exhibit. Moreover techniques, either used in the past or the most recent, were shown. For this aim two preparations will be compared: a young gorilla prepared in the Fifties and a couple of Andean condors ready since 2003.

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OPENING HOURS
Tuesday to Sunday 9am – 7 pm

closed: Monday

24th and 31st december 9am-2pm

Closed on Mondays

Closed 1st January, 1st May and 25th December

last admission one hour beofore closing time

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CHARGES
reduced: € 4,50  full price: €7,00

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