Volcanic and hydrothermal displays at museums and visitor centres contribute significantly to educating the public about these unique natural environments.

Major volcanic events often result in a new exhibition or visitor centre being built near an eruption site to cater to the increasing demand for visitor information.

Japan, for instance, has many volcano science museums, which are frequently connected to the local volcano observatory, where visitors are provided with up-to-date information about the state of activity of a volcano (e.g. webcams, seismographs), as well as exhibits relevant to the local geology.

Film footage of past eruptive events and simulated pyroclastic flows complete with special effects as well as birds-eye views of eruption columns are a fascinating way of educating the public about the explosive powers of a volcano. 

Some volcano museums are not confined to the inside of a building or they are connected to extensive archaeological excavations such as Santorini (Greece) and Pompeii (Italy). 

The site of the Eldfell eruption (1973) on the Icelandic island Heimaey is an open-air museum, where people can walk through the remnant lava flows that caused the destruction of many buildings.

Also of interest are local cultural and historical connections with volcanic and hydrothermal events with retail areas usually offering books about the local geology along with general souvenirs and creations by local artists.

Popular in Cappadocia in central Turkey are small pumice carvings of the Fairy Chimneys while at Mt Aso in Japan, sulphur blocks and volcanic rock samples are sold on the viewing platform next to the crater.

A short list of volcano museums across the world. This list is not complete and will be added to over time.

Volcano museums and information centres are often in conjunction with a local volcano observatory.

Major volcanic events often result in new volcano museums or visitor centres being built near an eruption site as a safe option for visitors to learn about the geophysical background. 

Here tourists can watch a volcano from a safe distance or via webcams; especially if the volcano is too active for a visit.