Krapina Neanderthal Museum

About the Museum

The Krapina Neanderthal site at Hušnjakovo is protected as Croatia's first paleontological natural monument and is one of the world's most significant paleoanthropological sites. Thanks to the pioneering work of geologist and paleontologist Dragutin Gorjanović-Kramberger, the exceptional wealth of archaeological and paleontological finds and the discovery of one of the largest Neanderthal sites have remained an unparalleled source of scientific knowledge to this day.

Approximately 900 human fossil remains, numerous fossil remains of Pleistocene animals and more than 1,000 stone artefacts dating from the Palaeolithic have been discovered at the site. The archaeological and paleontological layers at Hušnjakovo date to approximately 125,000 years ago.

The new Krapina Neanderthal Museum opened in February 2010, continuing the pursuit of scientific excellence established by Dragutin Gorjanović-Kramberger, the scientist who brought the unique Krapina Neanderthal finds to the attention of the international scientific community. The museum was designed and developed by architect Željko Kovačić and paleontologist Jakov Radovčić, together with numerous collaborators. Its permanent exhibition presents the story of human evolution in an engaging and interactive way.

The permanent exhibition is organized into 18 thematic units that take visitors on a journey through the distant past, from the formation of the Earth to the beginnings of civilization and the modern age, with particular emphasis on the famous Krapina discovery and the significance of the Krapina Neanderthal collection.

The daily life of Neanderthals is presented in one of the world's largest dioramas of its kind, depicting a community of Neanderthals of different ages and sexes gathered around a hearth in a semi-cave.

The Krapina Neanderthal Museum is one of the most modern museums of its kind, offering numerous interactive experiences that engage all the senses. Multimedia installations, films, information kiosks, virtual tours and holograms offer visitors an immersive experience, while the museum's educational workshops provide an additional highlight.

General Information

Address:
Šetalište Vilibalda Sluge bb
49000 Krapina

Phone: +385 (0) 49 371 491
Fax: +385 (0) 49 371 968

Head of the organizational unit:
Eduard Vasiljević, Senior Curator

E-mail: mkn@mhz.hr
Website: mkn.mhz.hr

Staff of the Krapina Neanderthal Museum

Director of the Museums of the Croatian Zagorje
Jurica Sabol, Master of Engineering in Geology, Senior Curator

Head of the organizational unit, Krapina Neanderthal Museum
Eduard Vasiljević, Master of Engineering in Geology, Senior Curator

Mirjana Biljan, Professor, Curator (Educator)
Nikolina Ileković, Master of Geology, Curator
Jelena Šekrst, Master of Archaeology and Master of Art History, Curator
Mario Tadić, Master of Engineering, Expert Associate
Stipe Komić, Museum Technician, Trade Union Representative
Romana Kamenečki, Senior Clerk
Janko Jambrek, Clerk
Irena Vozila, Clerk
Nevenka Vučilovski, Housekeeper
Josip Matuša, Other Position, Category III (Security Guard)