The "wonder cabinets" of the Medicis

The museum’s collection began as the personal wunderkammer of the Medici family. Grand Duke Peter Leopold, embracing the Enlightenment, decided to open this private collection to the general public - men and women, rich and poor - no one was to be excluded from indulging in scientific curiosity. In a time when cabinets of wonder were private and restricted to the upper crust, those could afford the time and money to engage in exotic collecting, this the Grand Duke’s novel idea inspired other institutions to open their doors to the public.

A few more photos are at Curious Expeditions.