Natural History & Archaeological Museum of Vicenza: Complete Guide 2026

At a Glance (for those in a hurry)

Located in the cloisters of Santa Corona (Contrà Santa Corona 4). Two sections: Natural History and Archaeology.
Natural History (1st floor): Berici Hills, ornithological and malacological collections, osteological collections, Paolo Lioy Herbarium (1854–56).
Archaeology: from Prehistory to the Lombards — Fimon (pile dwellings, tools, dugout canoes), Ancient Veneti, Roman Vicenza (Berga Theatre, lapidary and mosaics), Lombard grave goods.
Indicative opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Monday; July–August 10:00 AM–2:00 PM (summer hours). Last entry 5:30 PM.
Single tickets: €3 full, €2 reduced; combined cards available (Vicenza GOLD, Silver, Platinum).

Natural History Section (1st Floor)

Fauna and flora of the Berici Hills, with a focus on geology, habitats, and local species.
Ornithological and malacological collections, osteological collections, and selected geo-paleontological materials.
Paolo Lioy Herbarium (1854–56): a key historical collection for Vicenza’s botanical studies.

Prehistory and Protohistory of Vicenza

Finds from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age from the Fimon valleys: pile dwellings, tools, dugout canoes, and everyday-life artifacts.

Ancient Veneti

Bronze votive plaques and other ex-votos found in the city, illustrating the cult practices and alphabets of the Ancient Veneti.

Roman Vicenza

Decorative elements from the Theatre of Berga.
Lapidary in the cloisters with cippi, inscriptions, sarcophagi, and Late Antique mosaics.

Lombards

Funerary assemblages (buckles, weapons, gold crosses) and reconstructions illustrating the Lombard presence in the area.

Opening Hours and Tickets (2025)

Opening: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM)
Closed: Monday
Summer hours: July–August 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Single ticket: €3 full · €2 reduced

Cards and Combined Tickets (Overview)

Vicenza GOLD Card: €22, valid for 8 days, includes Teatro Olimpico, Palazzo Chiericati, Church of Santa Corona, Natural History & Archaeological Museum, Museum of the Risorgimento, Gallerie d’Italia – Palazzo Leoni Montanari, Diocesan Museum, Palladio Museum, Basilica Palladiana (exhibitions excluded), Jewellery Museum, and Palazzo Thiene Galleries.
Vicenza Silver Card (4 museums of choice): €16 (valid for 8 days).
Other options and reductions may be available (e.g. Platinum, groups, schools). Always check official channels.

Distance from Ostello Olimpico di Vicenza

Ostello Olimpico di Vicenza: Viale Antonio Giuriolo 7/9, 36100 Vicenza
Natural History & Archaeological Museum: Contrà Santa Corona 4
Walking distance: 2–4 minutes (≈ 180–300 m), flat route through the historic center.

Natural History & Archaeological Museum – FAQ

Do I need to book in advance?

Not required for individual visitors; groups and schools can book through the IAT/Civic Museums.

Is the museum suitable for children?

Yes. Models, reconstructions, and natural history collections make the visit engaging for families.

Is it accessible?

Facilitated access and services for visitors with disabilities are available; ask at the ticket desk for dedicated routes.

Other Questions About Museums and Free Entry in Vicenza

How much does a single museum pass for Vicenza cost?

The Vicenza GOLD Card costs €22 (valid for 8 days, one entry per venue); the Silver Card (4 museums of choice) costs €16. Check updated prices and included venues.

What can I visit for free in Vicenza?

The Museum of the Risorgimento and the Resistance is free; some civic sites also offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month for residents of the city and province.

Are Vicenza museums free on the first Sunday of the month?

Yes, on the first Sunday of the month free entry for city and provincial residents at the Palazzo Thiene Galleries and the Natural History & Archaeological Museum (subject to change).

What museums should I see in Vicenza?

In addition to the Natural History & Archaeological Museum: Teatro Olimpico, Palazzo Chiericati, Basilica Palladiana (exhibitions), Palazzo Thiene Galleries, Palladio Museum, Jewellery Museum, Gallerie d’Italia – Palazzo Leoni Montanari.