The centre was established in 2002 thanks to the activity of the Pistoia Apennines Naturalist Group which, starting from the 1970s, has collected archaeological, geo-palaeontological and zoological specimens found in the San Marcello Pistoiese area. The exhibition, which includes a collection of wood specimens, illustrates the natural and anthropological evolution of the territory through dioramas and models. The centre, which occupies two rooms in the former schools of the Italian Metallurgical Company (SMI, now Europa Metalli) at Campo Tizzoro, also has a space for research and study, equipped with microscopes, computers and other scientific material.