HISTORY OF CALDERINI MUSEUM

A room of wonders, a small Wunderkammer grafted in Valsesia

Origins

The origins of the Civic Museum of Natural History in Varallo can be traced back to Pietro Calderini (1824 – 1906), a distinguished figure in Valsesian society during the late nineteenth century. Calderini established the museum with the aim of supporting scientific studies through the direct observation of natural specimens, making them accessible to students.

  • 1867: The Natural History Museum is inaugurated with the support of the Society for the Encouragement of Drawing Studies. It is housed on the first floor of the Palazzo Sociale.
  • Around 1880: The museum expands to include archaeological, ethnographic, and humanistic collections transforming into a sort of Wunderkammer.
  • 1906: Upon Pietro Calderini’s death, the museum is named in his honor;

Evolution

  • 1960: The museum relocates to the second floor of the Palazzo dei Musei;
  • Around 1990: The museum is closed to the public;
  • 2017: The museum reopens with a fresh new look, featuring a hall dedicated to natural sciences;
  • 2023: The ethnographic and egyptological rooms are inaugurated, further enriching the museum’s diverse offerings.