Museo di Zoologia Adriatica Giuseppe Olivi

The Museo di zoologia adriatica "Giuseppe Olivi" is a university museum that is open to the public. It is situated on the second and third floors of Palazzo Grassi, an 18th-century residence of the Grassi family in Chioggia, in the province of Venice. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich zoological collection from Trieste and Rovigno, which was acquired by the University of Padova in 1968.

The Zoological Collection

The museum showcases the historic zoological collection of Trieste and Rovigno, which was acquired by the University of Padova in 1968. The marine animals on display are preserved in liquid and were exclusively collected in the Adriatic between the second half of the 19th century and 1943. This collection provides a fascinating insight into the marine life and ecosystems of the Adriatic during this period.

The Elephant Shark Exhibit

One of the highlights of the museum is the specimen of an elephant shark, also known as a basking shark. This 8-meter female was accidentally caught in 2003 off the coast of Chioggia. The shark is a significant addition to the museum's collection and provides a unique opportunity for visitors to see this rare species up close.