Krapina Neanderthal Museum
Krapinsko-zagorska Ĺľupanija
The Krapina Neanderthal Museum is located at the Hušnjakovo site near Krapina, Croatia, where over 800 fossil remains of Neanderthals were discovered in 1899. It is a specialized geological and paleontological museum opened in 2010, dedicated to the rich Neanderthal heritage and the broader story of human evolution. The museum features hyperrealistic sculptures by Elisabeth Daynès depicting Neanderthals in various life scenarios and offers a comprehensive exhibition spanning cosmic, chemical, biological evolution and the spiritual world of Neanderthals. It is surrounded by a park with statues of Neanderthals and Ice Age fauna placed in their natural context. The museum is part of the Museums of Hrvatsko Zagorje institution and is recognized for its innovative multimedia displays and educational programs. It is one of Europe's most significant evolutionary museums and a major scientific and tourist site.
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Astuce: Visit the museum during spring or early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Book guided tours in advance, offered in Croatian and English, to fully experience the permanent exhibition and the Hušnjakovo fossil site. Discounts are available for groups, students, and seniors. The museum shop offers educational souvenirs and publications. Accessibility and visitor services are well-developed, but checking opening hours ahead is recommended.
Faits intéressants
- •The Krapina site holds the largest and richest collection of Neanderthal remains ever found globally.
- •Hyperrealistic sculptures of Neanderthals by French artist Elisabeth Daynès vividly depict their daily life.
- •The museum won the FIAMP 2010 AVICOM 3rd prize for multimedia content at the ICOM General Conference in Shanghai.
- •It received the Croatian Tourist Award 'Anton Štifanić' for outstanding contribution to tourism development in 2010.
- •The fossil site dates back approximately 130,000 years, providing crucial insights into early human evolution.
- •The museum is surrounded by a park featuring statues of Ice Age animals such as bears, moose, and beavers in their natural habitat.
Histoire
The fossil site at Hušnjakovo was discovered in 1899 by Dragutin Gorjanović-Kramberger, who conducted extensive excavations until 1905, unearthing around 900 Neanderthal fossil bones and numerous Paleolithic stone tools.
The site is Croatia's first protected paleontological natural monument.
The current museum was inaugurated on February 27, 2010, to showcase these findings and the evolution of humans.
Since then, it has received multiple awards for innovation and contribution to cultural tourism, including international recognition and nominations for European Museum of the Year.
Guide du lieu
Permanent Exhibition
The permanent exhibition covers cosmic, chemical, and biological evolution with a special focus on human evolution and the Krapina Neanderthal. It explains scientific discoveries about the age of the world, geology, and the earliest findings of prehistoric humans, including important finds from Belgium and Java. It culminates in the rapid cultural and technological development of humankind.
Neanderthal Sculptures by Elisabeth Daynès2010
Hyperrealistic sculptures depict Neanderthals in various life situations within a semi-cave setting, providing visitors with a vivid impression of their appearance and behavior.
Hušnjakovo Fossil Site1899
The original excavation site where the Neanderthal fossils were found is preserved and accessible, allowing visitors to connect directly with this significant paleontological location.
Surrounding Park with Ice Age Fauna Statues
A park surrounds the museum featuring statues of Neanderthals and animals like cave bears, moose, and beavers positioned in their natural habitats, enhancing the educational experience.
Contact
Téléphone: 049 371 491