Siena Museums

(Siena, Tuscany, Italy)



Central pictureMuseums in Siena cover numerous different topics, such as archaeology, palaeontology and natural history. Many of Siena's museums are not only extremely popular and informative, but completely free of charge to members of the public.

Both the Museo Paleontologico and the Museo Zoologico are housed within the Accademia dei Fisiocritici, a historical academy founded at the very end of the 17th century and of great importance to the city of Siena. Also deserving a mention is the National Antarctic Museum, where the history of the Antarctic is explored in great detail.


Museo Archeologico (Museum of Archaeology)

Address: Spedale di Santa Maria Della Scala, Piazza Duomo, Siena, IT-53100, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 0577 49 153
The Museo Archeologico is perhaps better known to those visiting Siena as the Museum of Archaeology, and enjoys a central situation, on the Spedale di Santa Maria Della Scala. There are many interesting exhibits and ancient treasures to explore within the museum itself, and a number of these date back as far as prehistoric times. Other highlights include displays concentrating on the Roman period and how this civilisation influenced the development of the Siena-Chiusi region.
Open hours: daily, March to October - 10:00 to 18:00, November to February - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge

Museo Paleontologico (Paleontology Museum)

Address: Accademia dei Fisiocritici, Piazza Sant'Agostino 5, Siena, IT-53100, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 0577 47 002
The Siena Museum of Paleontology is really something for the whole family, since it concentrates on various aspect relating to dinosaurs. Filled with prehistoric fossils, this is a good place to while away an afternoon, looking at the dinosaur remains, reconstructions, mineral exhibits and the historical library.
Open hours: Monday to Wednesday - 09:00 to 13:00, 15:00 to 18:00, Thursday - 09:00 to 13:00
Admission: free

Museo Zoologico (Museum of Natural History)

Address: Accademia dei Fisiocritici, Piazza Sant'Agostino 5, Siena, IT-53100, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 0577 47 002
The Siena Museum of Natural History contains an extensive selection of stuffed animals, many of which are displayed in landscaped settings and originate from all over the world. This attraction is particularly well-known for its large collection of exotic birds and insects, which are displayed in well-ordered glass cases.
Open hours: Monday to Wednesday - 09:00 to 13:00, 15:00 to 18:00, Thursday - 09:00 to 13:00
Admission: free

Museo Nazionale dell'Antartide (National Antarctic Museum)

Address: Polo Didattico, Via del Laterino, 8, Siena, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 0577 233 890
Italy has two museums which are dedicated to the history of the Antarctic. One is in Siena, whilst the other is in Genoa. The Siena National Antarctic Museum houses geological and glaciological collections from various Italian expeditions.
Open hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 09:00 to 13:00; Tuesday and Thursday - 09:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Duomo e Libreria Piccolomini (Piccolomini Library)

Address: Piazza Duomo, Siena, Italy, IT
This rich book collection once belonged to Pope Pius II Piccolomini. The Duomo e Libreria Piccolomini library itself was built in the late 15th century, by the man who was later to become Pope Pius III Piccolomini.
Open hours: August to October - 10:30 to 19:30
Admission: charge