La Specola

La Specola is the natural history section of Florence’s Museo di Storia Naturale, housed in the historic Specola building in the Oltrarno area. The museum dates to the late 18th century and is particularly noted for its historical scientific collections.

The museum is best known for its anatomical wax models created in the late 18th century and displayed in a dedicated cabinet, a highlight for those interested in medical history and historical scientific teaching. Additional galleries present zoological specimens, osteology, minerals and period scientific instruments arranged in historical museum rooms.

The collection grew from Grand Ducal natural history and medical interests in the late 1700s and was developed into a public scientific museum during the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Important additions include the anatomical waxes produced by sculptors associated with the university hospitals in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and ongoing museum reorganization since the 19th century.

Situated in Florence’s Oltrarno district, the Specola sits within walking distance of central Florence museums and landmarks across the Arno River. It is part of the city museum network and accessed easily from central Florence by foot or short public transport ride.

• Timing: Best visited in the morning to avoid crowds; allow 1-2 hours to see the wax models, zoology halls and historical instruments.
• Visitor notes: Some anatomical waxes are graphic and may be unsettling for children; photography rules vary by room so check on arrival.

What to See #

• Galleries: Household and scientific galleries arranged across several rooms, including zoology displays of mounted specimens and osteology collections, plus cabinets of minerals and scientific instruments dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Gabinetto delle Cere Anatomiche: The historical anatomical wax collection produced by sculptors such as Clemente Susini in the late 18th century, displayed in a dedicated cabinet room with detailed life‑size models used for medical teaching.