Around Argenta in the province of Ferrara in the River Po Delta are five 'ecomusei' or eco-museums. They are the 'Oasi di Val Campotto', the 'Museo della Bonifica', the 'Museo Civico', the 'Centro Culturale ai Cappuccini' and the 'Museo delle Valli d'Argenta'. The last in the list was awarded the prize for Best European Museum in 1992.

The 'Oasi delle Valli di Argenta' is a protected wildlife area in the Argenta valley. In 1971 it was declared a 'zone umide' of international importance. This meant the micro climate of the area was sufficiently delicate to warrant protection and to encourage the continued breeding of many acquatic birds. In fact, the oasis is one of 6 locations which form the 'Parco Regionale del Delta del Po', an area visited by over 25 million people every year.