Hzero Museum In A Nutshell
Handy information
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | 1 hour |
| ☀️ Best Time to Visit: | 10 AM / 2 PM |
| 🎟️ Hzero Museum Ticket: | |
Must-see at the Hzero Museum
- 280-square-meter model railway
- Exhibition on the history of trains
- Collection of model trains from all over the world
Things to know
Constructed in: 1972
Location: Florence
Architect: Luigi Fragola
Architectural style: Model railway
Opening Hours and Address
Wednesday-Monday:11.00 Am - 7.00 PM
Closed on: Tuesday
Florence - Italy
Why is Hzero Museum worth visiting?
- The museum has a large collection of trains from different eras, including steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, and high-speed trains
- The museum has a large model railway that depicts a variety of Italian landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and cities.
- The museum has a number of interactive exhibits that allow you to learn about trains in a fun and engaging way.
Recommended Hzero Museum Tickets
Depending on the kind of experience you seek and time in hand, you can choose from a variety of POI tickets.
Hzero Museum History
The HZERO Museum is a museum in Florence, Italy, that opened in May 2022. The museum is dedicated to the history of the railway and features a large model railway layout, one of the largest in Europe. The model railway was created by the Marquis Giuseppe Paternò Castello di San Giuliano over the course of 50 years. The museum also features exhibits on the history of trains, including locomotives, carriages, and other railway artifacts. The HZERO Museum is located in the former Ariston cinema, which was built in 1927. The cinema was closed in 2000 and the building was subsequently abandoned. The museum was created by the San Giuliano family and the Fondazione CR Firenze, a foundation that supports cultural projects in Florence.
Here is a brief history of the HZERO Museum:
1972: The Marquis Giuseppe Paternò Castello di San Giuliano begins construction of a model railway layout in his home in Florence.
1985: The model railway layout is moved to the barn of the San Giuliano family farmhouse in Val d'Arno.
2000: The model railway layout is moved to a 400 m2 hangar in Scandicci.
2017: The San Giuliano family begins planning for a museum to house the model railway layout.
2020: The Fondazione CR Firenze agrees to fund the construction of the museum.
2022: The HZERO Museum opens to the public.
Hzero Museum Architecture
The museum's architecture is inspired by the history of the site and the subject matter of the exhibition. The former cinema has been transformed into a series of interconnected spaces, each with its own unique atmosphere. The main exhibition space is a large, open hall that is home to the model railway. The walls of the hall are lined with screens that project images of the railway in action. The other spaces in the museum are used for educational workshops, film screenings, and themed exhibitions.
Highlights of Hzero Museum
1The Large Railway Model
This is the main attraction of the museum, and it is one of the largest railway models in Europe. It covers an area of 280 square meters and features over 1,000 trains and 10,000 buildings. The model is incredibly detailed, and it is a great way to learn about the history of railways.
2Giuseppe Paternò Castello di San Giuliano Collection
This collection includes over 1,000 objects related to railways, including model trains, books, photographs, and posters. The collection was donated to the museum by Giuseppe Paternò Castello di San Giuliano, who was a passionate railway enthusiast.
2The Interactive Exhibits
The museum has a number of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the history of railways in a fun and engaging way. These exhibits include a virtual reality experience that allows visitors to ride a train through a historical city, and a hands-on exhibit that allows visitors to build their own model train.
Best Time to Visit Hzero Museum
The best time to visit the Hzero Museum is during the week, in the afternoon. The museum is busiest on weekends and in the morning, so visiting during the week will help you avoid the crowds. In the afternoon, the museum is still busy, but not as crowded as it is in the morning or on weekends.
Here are some of the benefits of visiting the Hzero Museum during the week, in the afternoon:
Less crowded: The museum is less crowded during the week, in the afternoon, so you will have more space to explore and you will not have to wait in long lines.
More time to explore: The museum is open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, so you will have plenty of time to explore all of the exhibits.
Read More About Best Time to Visit Florence
Hzero Museum Opening Hours
- Wednesday-Sunday : 10 AM - 7 PM
- Hzero Museum remains closed on Monday and Tuesday
Getting There
Bus
There are several buses that stop near the museum, including buses 6 and 11. The museum is a short walk from the bus stop.
Tram
Tram T2 also stops near the museum. The museum is a 3-minute walk from the tram stop.
Insider Tips to Visit Hzero Museum
- The museum can get crowded, so it's best to arrive early to avoid the crowds. The museum opens at 10am and closes at 6pm.
- Before visiting the Hzero Museum, familiarize yourself with its unique concept and artistic philosophy.Understanding the museum's approach will allow you to appreciate the artworks in a more meaningful way.
- You may be moving and interacting,as part of the experience, so wear clothes and footwear that allow for freedom of movement.
- The art installations at Hzero Museum are designed to be experienced at your own pace. Allocate sufficient time for each installation to fully engage with its narrative and explore its intricacies.
- Consider visiting the Hzero Museum during off-peak hours or on weekdays to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience.
- As you explore the museum, be mindful of the artwork and the installation spaces.
Hzero Museum Facts
- The HZERO museum was built by the family of Giuseppe Paternò Castello di San Giuliano. The project was started by Giuseppe in 1972
- The museum's model railway layout is one of the largest in Europe, covering an area of over 1,000 square meters.
- The museum's curator is Alberto Salvadori, who is a noted expert on model trains.
- This iconic train was first introduced in 1883 and quickly became a popular way for wealthy Europeans to travel between Paris and Istanbul. The Hzero Museum has a replica of the Orient Express, which visitors can explore.
- The Trans-Siberian railway line spans 9,288 kilometers (5,772 miles) and connects Moscow to Vladivostok. The Hzero Museum has a model of the Trans-Siberian Railway, which visitors can admire.
Restaurants Near Hzero Museum
This charming restaurant serves traditional Tuscan cuisine, including homemade pasta, risotto, and grilled meats. It is located a short walk from the museum and has a cozy atmosphere.
Distance from Hzero Museum: 6.3 km
Trattoria Il Latini is a family-run trattoria that has been serving classic Florentine dishes for over 50 years. It is located in a quiet neighborhood, just a few blocks from the museum.
Distance from Hzero Museum: 1.2 km
La Cucina di Mamma Teresa is a casual eatery serving home-style Italian food, such as pasta, pizza, and grilled fish. It is located in a lively piazza, just a few minutes walk from the museum.
Distance from Hzero Museum: 4.1 km
Birreria Centrale is a traditional Tuscan restaurant located in the heart of Florence. It has been serving up delicious food and local beers for over 100 years. The restaurant is known for its hearty dishes, such as Florentine steak and meat sauce and grilled meats.
Distance from Hzero Museum: 6.2 km
The restaurant has a stylish, urban-chic interior with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and contemporary artwork. The menu features a mix of traditional and contemporary Italian dishes, made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Distance from Hzero Museum: 7.4 kmPlaces to Stay Near Hzero Museum
Things to Do Near Hzero Museum
Piazzale Michelangelo is a stunning square located in the Oltrarno district of Florence, Italy. Situated on a hill, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, including iconic landmarks such as the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio, and the magnificent dome of the Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo. This elevated vantage point provides visitors with an unforgettable perspective of Florence's architectural beauty and surrounding landscape.
Distance from Hzero Museum: 7.6 km
The Basilica di Santa Croce, or the Basilica of the Holy Cross, is one of the most significant religious sites in Florence. Located in the Piazza di Santa Croce, this impressive Franciscan church holds great historical and cultural importance. Construction of the basilica began in the 13th century and continued for several centuries, resulting in a mix of architectural styles, predominantly Gothic. The church's facade is adorned with intricate marble detailing and elegant rose windows, showcasing the craftsmanship of the period.
Distance from Hzero Museum: 5.9 km
The Uffizi Gallery is a world-renowned art museum located in the heart of Florence, near the Piazza della Signoria. Founded in the 16th century, it is one of the oldest and most visited museums in Italy, housing an extraordinary collection of artworks. The museum's building itself is a masterpiece, designed by Giorgio Vasari and later expanded by other architects. It features a distinctive U-shaped layout surrounding an open courtyard, reflecting the grandeur and elegance of the Renaissance era.
Distance from Uffizi Gallery: 7.1 km
Ponte Vecchio, meaning "Old Bridge" in Italian, is one of the most famous bridges in Florence and a beloved symbol of the city. Spanning the Arno River, it connects the historic center with the Oltrarno district. What makes Ponte Vecchio truly unique is the row of shops built along its length. These shops, known as "botteghe," originally housed butchers, but over time they were replaced by goldsmiths and jewelry stores.
Distance from Hzero Museum: 3.0 km
The Duomo, officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is a magnificent architectural masterpiece located in the heart of Florence. This iconic cathedral, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is a testament to the city's cultural and artistic achievements during the Renaissance.The exterior of the Duomo is adorned with an elaborate mix of white, green, and pink marble, creating a visually striking façade. The most recognizable feature is the enormous dome, which dominates the Florence skyline.
Distance from Hzero Museum: 1.0 km
FAQs
The Ariston cinema was built in 1926 and closed in 2003. In 2019, the building was purchased by the Hzero Foundation, who converted it into a museum. The museum opened its doors in 2022.
The HZERO Museum was built by the Paternò Castello di San Giuliano family. The project was started by Giuseppe Paternò Castello di San Giuliano in 1972, and was completed by his children Diego, Giulia, and Maria.
The model railway is 280 square meters (3,014 square feet) in size, making it one of the largest in Europe.
Skip-the-line tickets to Hzero Museum are totally worth it for you save time by bypassing the line and
enjoy your visit without having to worry about waiting in line
The museum is served by the city's bus and train system. The nearest bus stop is on Via Cavour, and the nearest train station is Santa Maria Novella.
Unfortunately, Butterfly Dubai does not have a cloakroom service because of which all guests are advised to carry light when arriving at the venue.
