15th anniversary of the opening of the Krapina Neanderthal Museum

Krapina Neanderthal Museum, one of the most visited museums in Croatia, opened 15 years ago, on February 27, 2010. Built in the immediate vicinity of the world-famous Hušnjakovo site, the Krapina Museum represents a kind of monument to the discovery of the largest collection of Neanderthal fossil bones in the world and is considered one of the most successful examples of the symbiosis of architecture and permanent exhibition. The contemporary presentation of cosmic, chemical and biological evolution, with an emphasis on human development and the significance of the Krapina Neanderthal site, attracts around 100 thousand visitors from all over the world annually.

In addition to the permanent exhibition and site, various museum programs have been organized and held for a large audience over the past 15 years, including temporary exhibitions that interestingly address geological, paleontological and archaeological topics, as well as educational workshops in which participants gain knowledge about prehistory in an interactive way. Various additional museum contents and activities make the Museum alive, and special attention is paid to cooperation with the local community. In addition to exhibitions and educational programs, the Museum has organized a large number of events such as lectures, book promotions, concerts and performances since its opening, connecting with numerous experts, scientists and artists, cultural and educational institutions, other museums, theaters, schools and faculties, as well as associations and societies. Since 2016, the Museum has been a proud holder of the European Heritage Label, which confirms its European value, and the activity of the Krapina Museum at the international level is also linked to its membership in the Ice Age Europe network. In addition to numerous awards and recognitions, the first prize in the category of archaeological sites and museums, which was awarded to it in 2021 as part of the 14th General Conference for Cultural Tourism, and the international Big SEE award, which the Museum won in competition among 45 candidates in the tourism design category - Tourism Design Award 2023. As one of the 5 organizational units of the Museums of Hrvatsko Zagorje, the Krapina Neanderthal Museum is particularly proud of the annual award in cultural tourism that was awarded to the MHZ in 2024.

With pleasant socializing, dancing, and remembering achievements, this special anniversary was celebrated at the Museum on Friday, February 28, 2025. Along with numerous partners and friends, the Minister of Culture and Media, Nina Obuljen Koržinek, also joined in the congratulations.

Krapina Neanderthal Museum thanks everyone and continues to work with the same enthusiasm until the next great anniversary!