The Adriatic Zoological Museum "Giuseppe Olivi", located in the historic center of Chioggia, is one of the oldest Italian scientific museums dedicated to the sea.
Founded in 1795 and named after the Chioggia naturalist Giuseppe Olivi, the museum is now part of the University of Padua and is housed within the seventeenth-century Palazzo Grassi. The museum documents the marine biodiversity of the Adriatic through a vast collection of zoological specimens, including shells, fish, crustaceans, cetaceans, and other marine organisms.
It displays historical and current specimens, including models, educational panels, and scientific instruments used for marine research. One of the most fascinating sections is dedicated to cetaceans, featuring complete skeletons and interesting insights into the biology and ecology of these marine mammals. The museum plays an important role in scientific dissemination and environmental awareness.
It organizes workshops, guided tours, and educational activities for schools and families. Its strategic location in the Venetian lagoon makes it a reference point for those who wish to learn about the marine fauna of the Upper Adriatic and deepen the relationship between humans and the sea.
