The collections of the Zoological Station were created to research on marine species in the Gulf of Naples. Thanks to the inventiveness and skill of preparator Salvatore Lobianco, who began working at SZN at the age of 14 years at the Zoological Station, the collection soon became known for the beauty and perfection of its preserved marine animals.
These were sold to museums, institutes, and individuals all over the world, and many samples are still on display in the major natural history museums in, for instance, Naples, Florence and Berlin.
Projects
The Museum, as part of MAB, participates in educational projects organized by the unit: during the years 2014-2015 and as part of activities for schools, a classroom was set up specially equipped to view microscopic marine organisms. This tool allows showing sea life and microorganism al diversity. In external activities ("Collecting Nature") we introduce children to scientific drawing, by means of observation of live shells and marine animals, and showing them the designs kept in our Historical Archive, made by two professional artists: Comingio Merculiano and Vincenzo Serino.
For 2015 we do not foresee specific types of activity because the collections are temporarily stored, but following the move of the museum to the Casina del Boschetto, located in Villa Comunale, we will greatly expand our portfolio of training, animated visits, workshops and meetings aimed to teachers, school children and the public at large.
The mission of the new SZN Museum is to introduce various audiences to the rich historical, cultural, scientific and technological patrimony of the SZN. The collection will include marine animals, antique research instruments, precious books and historical documents (photographs, letters, drawings etc.).
Contacts
Claudia di Somma
Tel. +39 081 5833291
e-mail: claudia.disomma(at)szn.it
