The Geolab of San Gemini, the first interactive museum dedicated to the Earth
During a break in the medieval village of San Gemini, you can admire the evidence of its long history, enjoy the peace of Umbrian nature and meet… the future.
The Geolab, created in 1999, is the first interactive museum in Italy dedicated to the Earth sciences, where thanks to a revolutionary and innovative approach it is possible to discover the wonders of the different geological eras through active observation.
This museum designed by Piero Angela, one of the most important scientific popularizer of the twentieth century and a well-known Italian TV announcer, involves its visitors in a series of exciting scientific activities and experiments and it allows children and teenagers learn while having fun.
So, discover everything about the Geolab of San Gemini including tips and suggestions to better plan your visit:
The Geolab between past, present and future
The Geolab of San Gemini was created in 1999 inside the Hospital for the Sick and the Poor, a health facility that remained open and active until 1922.
This hospital was housed in the former Church of the Madonna della Misericordia, a place of Christian worship where Holy Masses were celebrated until 1852.
The construction of a modern museum of Earth Science in a place with such a long history is another testimony of how in San Gemini past, present and future mix together.
The Geolab, an innovative didactic project
The Geolab of San Gemini is the first interactive museum dedicated to Earth Science, so its visit is unmissable.
Scientific museums are rare and Geolab can even be considered unique for its innovative didactic method, that is well summarized by its motto “Please Touch”.
During a visit to the Geolab, the visitor is invited to discover the history of the Earth and of its geological eras through an interactive itinerary where it is actively involved through panels, installations and scientific experiments.
If a visit to a traditional museum implies only a careful observation, during a visit to the Geolab of San Gemini it’s necessary an active participation that helps the learning process.
A visit to Geolab
During a visit to the Geolab of San Gemini, the visitor can discover the mysteries of the Earth explained in its five rooms.
The first room is dedicated to the discovery of Earth’s crust, mantles and inner core, in the second room, thanks to an engaging interactive model, the visitor understands why and the mountains, the volcanoes, the lakes are born and the causes of earthquakes.
The third room focuses on the geodynamic events of the Mediterranean area while the fourth room is dedicated to the geological history of Umbria that can be studied through a careful examination of fossils and rocks.
The fifth room is always dedicated to Umbria and to the phenomena that interest it. This region, often, is affected by earthquakes, like the one that probably marked the beginning of the decline of Carsulae, today an interesting Archaeological Park.
Geolab a perfect museum for childer
If you want to take a break in San Gemini with the whole family including small children, a stop at Geolab is unmissable.
This interactive museum for its innovative didactic method is perfect for children and every year many school groups visit it.
During a visit to the Geolab of San Gemini, your children will be actively involved in an exciting journey to discover geoscience. So, every child has the opportunity to learn important scientific notions while having fun.
Useful information to plan a visit to the Geolab
Discover all the useful information to plan a visit to the Geolab of San Gemini.
Opening hours
The opening hours of the Geolab vary according to the months and the seasons, so before planning your visit check them carefully.
Ticket rates
In order to access the Geolab of San Gemini, it is necessary to pay a ticket.
The full ticket costs 3 euros, children up to 5 years can visit it for free, children from 6 to 14 years pay 2 euros, while young people up to 25 years pay 2.50 euros.
It’s also available a family ticket that includes the access for 2 adults and 3 children up to 14 years at a price of 7 euros.
Where is the Geolab
The Geolab is located in Via della Misericordia no. 1.
This museum is located about 350 meters from the Duomo, close to the main attractions of the medieval village of San Gemini.