Logo

Cantonal Museum of Natural History

The Cantonal Museum of Natural History in Lugano, Switzerland, is a natural science museum dedicated to researching, documenting, studying and communicating knowledge about the natural heritage of the Canton of Ticino. Its permanent exhibition of 1100 m² presents the Ticino landscape through large dioramas of typical habitats, as well as displays on minerals, rocks, fossils, fungi and social insects. The museum also hosts changing temporary exhibitions and offers educational activities for children, families and schools.

Families and Kids

The museum offers thematic animations for children and families, combining scientific observation with play and creative activities. The 'Un occhio sulla natura' series is designed for children aged 4 to 11 and for teenagers aged 11 to 14, with activities resuming in autumn 2026.

Information

  • Visit duration: 90min
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Free entrance: No
  • Topic: Natural history
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Workshops: Yes
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 3-6, 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Interactive exhibits, Workshops, Tours and demonstrations

Opening hours

Opening hours could not be found on the website.

Contact

Webpage
m4.ti.ch
Address
Viale Carlo Cattaneo 4, 6901 Lugano

Access

Nearby stops

  • Lugano, Palazzo Studi200 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Lugano
10m
Bellinzona
30m
Locarno
52m
Zug
1h 44m
Luzern
1h 56m

FAQ

  • Does the museum offer educational activities for children and families?
    Yes, the museum offers thematic animations for children and families, as well as educational activities for schools. The 'Un occhio sulla natura' animation series combines a scientific and a creative part, allowing children to approach naturalistic themes by observing scientifically, playing and creating.
  • What does the permanent exhibition present?
    The permanent exhibition, located on the first floor of the Palazzina delle scienze and covering 1100 m², presents an updated image of the Ticino natural landscape. It includes large dioramas of typical Ticino habitats (beech forest, chestnut grove, wetland, alpine zone, etc.), as well as displays on social insects, fungi, minerals, rocks, fossils, traces and extinct animals.
  • Is the museum involved in scientific research?
    Yes, the museum conducts scientific research, conservation and documentation across several naturalistic sectors including mineralogy, geopaleontology, botany, mycology, invertebrate zoology and vertebrate zoology. It also manages scientific research on the UNESCO World Heritage site Monte San Giorgio and hosts the Info Flora office for southern Switzerland.
  • Are there guided tours available?
    The museum offers guided tours of its naturalistic collections on certain occasions, such as the National Day of Natural History Collections. For the 'No Limits!' exhibition in Airolo, guided tours are available on request and booking is mandatory for schools and groups of more than 10 people.
  • Does the museum host temporary exhibitions?
    Yes, the museum regularly hosts changing temporary exhibitions, which are usually held in the auditorium. These cover a wide range of naturalistic and cultural themes related to nature and biodiversity.