Museum
MUST - University Museum of Earth Sciences of Sapienza
Sapienza University of Rome invested in the creation of a modern museum dedicated to the Earth Sciences, by unifying the existing and independent Geology, Mineralogy and Paleontology Museums. The three museums since 1804 collected and archived more than 34,000 mineralogical, 3,000 geological and 7,000 paleontological specimens, along with books, maps and historical scientific instruments. Since many of the samples are unique in Italy and on the world, for historical significance, economic value and rarity, they are admired, studied and requested both nationally and internationally.
The new museum will extend over an area of >4.100 m2, entailing the areas devoted to exhibitions (temporary and permanent), laboratories, offices, deposit and services (bookshops, restrooms, access for people with disabilities, conference rooms).
At the moment the first space - about 480 m2 - is fully available for experiencing a temporary exhibition entitled "Earth: what a surprise!". The remaining spaces will be soon ready for the opening, after a long and complete restoration work of the entire structure.
Exhibition "Earth: what a surprise!"
This temporary exhibition deals with the main concepts concerning the formation of the planet Earth, the origin and classification of meteorites, the origin of minerals and rocks, the main tectonic processes, the distribution of the elements, the distribution and the plumbing system of the volcanic areas, the evolution of Earth's surface, the appearance and evolution of life, the process of fossilization, the geological risks and hazards, the use of energy sources and environmental sustainability, the evolution of the concept of scientific museum from XIX century to modern days. There are also laboratory activities with interactive experiences that include the use of polarizing microscopes, binocular stereoscopes, geiger counters and luminescence phenomena in the mineral world.
Booking to visit the exhibition is mandatory. Simply call the phone numbers in the contacts section in the upper left of this page (sorry, only a few of the personnel can speak English) or write an e-mail message to must@uniroma1.it.
Trailer Exhibition "Earth: what a surprise!"
How to reach the MUST:
The MUST is hosted in the Earth Sciences Department (Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra) in the Campus of Sapienza University. The museum can be easily reached from the Roma Termini railway station (15 minutes by walking) or by bus service from Roma Termini (Line 310). Alternatively, you can use the underground station (Line B) Castro Pretorio or Policlinico. You can reach the MUST through three entrances:
1) Main entrance from Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, then follow the light blue track in the map;
2) Lateral entrance from Viale dell'Università, 36, then follow the red track in the map;
3) Lateral entrance from Viale Regina Elena, 331, then follow the green track in the map.
Visiting hours and duration:
The exhibit is open from October 8th 2018 only by reservation for groups and individual visitors, from Monday to Friday, from 9.00 to 14.00. Admission for groups allowed until 12.00.
The duration of the visit to the museum, including laboratory activities is approximately 2.5 hours.
The maximum number of people in groups is 25.
Reservation is mandatory.
Tickets and free tickets:
Children under 5 and persons over 65: Free
Sapienza students and staff: Free
Disabled people with a guide: Free
Single ticket: € 5
Groups of up to 25 people (including guided tour and laboratory activities): € 110 (guide available only in Italian. For a guide in English ask).
Tickets can be purchased in the "Sapienza Store", a merchandising shop at the entrance of Viale Regina Elena 331; "Sapienza Store" timetable from 08.30 to 18.00.
LIS (Lingua Italiana dei Segni - Italian Language for the deaf) Information Service:
The MUST offers a free LIS information service, upon reservation.