Entomology Museums

The study of insects has began a very long time ago, firstly because it was needed by those practicing agriculture to learn to recognize the behavior of different insects species as to prevent them from harming their crops. Later, insects reached the attention of individuals who were simply passionate about these mini creatures that have been known to exist for more than 400 million years. Although the scientific study of insects has however begun as recently as the 16th century, there are many interesting and famous museums that have large collection of insects.

Every famous and important city on Europe has such a museum. In London one can visit the Natural History Museum, with an impressive collection of insects and not only. Also, Vienna hosts the Naturhistoriche Museum, Paris with the well known Museum national d’histoire naturelle, and Berlin with the Humboldt Museum. One can also see impressive collections of insects in Brussels at the Royal Museum from Central Africa, in Leiden-the Netherlands in the Natural History Museum and in Geneva at the Natural History Museum. For those passionate in species of insects that cannot necessarily be seen on a daily basis, might want to try the Natal Museum from South Africa.

The United States also shelters several well known museums where insect passionate and lovers can see some of the least common species. Some of these museums include the Academy of Natural Sciences, Pennsylvania, and the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the Auburn University Entomological Museum in Auburn, Alabama or the Essing Museum in California.

These are only some of the largest and most known museums that feature interesting insect collections from Europe, Africa and the United States. Apart from these museums, there are others in Northern America, especially Canada which deserve the attention of those interested in the branch.