The Botanical Garden and Museum of the University of Pisa — the world’s first university botanical garden — has officially become part of the Italian National Museum System.
The announcement came from the National Directorate of Museums of the Italian Ministry of Culture, which confirmed that the museum met 112 quality criteria, ranging from the conservation of collections and internal organization to communication and engagement with the local community. This important achievement rewards the dedicated efforts of the University Museum System, which pursued excellence in its cultural heritage and obtained accreditation on its first attempt. Alongside the Pisa Botanical Garden and Museum, other institutions accredited in this round include the Botanical Garden and Museum of Nature and Humankind in Padua, the Museum of Sicilian Knowledge and Wonders, and the City of Science in Catania.
The Botanical Garden and Museum has now been listed on the official website and app of the Italian National Museum System — key tools developed by the Directorate-General of Museums to enhance the visibility, accessibility, and recognition of museums both nationally and internationally.
“I am very proud of this major achievement by the Botanical Garden and Museum, which confirms the outstanding work carried out for years by all its staff with dedication and passion,” said Rector Riccardo Zucchi. “The University takes great pride in the fact that, with this national accreditation, the Botanical Garden and Museum — which already distinguished itself last year at the regional level by earning the highest score among accredited Tuscan museums — is now leading the way for university museums across the country.”
Thanks to the excellent work done so far, the University Museum System’s other eight university museums — currently affiliated with the National Museum System — are now very close to completing their own accreditation processes, once the remaining quality standards required by the Ministry of Culture are met. At the forefront is the Museum of Graphics, which is only awaiting a final technical certification that will soon be issued by the Municipality of Pisa.
