Croatian Natural History Museum

Overview

The Croatian Natural History Museum houses extensive geological, zoological, and botanical collections in a Baroque palace in Gornji Grad. Its mineral collection and Krapina Neanderthal finds are among the most important in southeast Europe.

Highlights

• Krapina Neanderthals: Casts and artifacts from the Krapina site, one of the world's richest Neanderthal fossil deposits.
• Mineral Collection: A stunning collection of minerals and gemstones from Croatia and worldwide.
• Wildlife Dioramas: Taxidermy displays of Croatian fauna in naturalistic settings.

History

Founded in 1846, the museum traces its origins to the National Museum established by the Croatian-Slavonian parliament. Its most significant collection, the Krapina Neanderthal remains discovered in 1899, put Croatian paleontology on the world map.

Visitor Tips

• Combine: Located next to the Museum of Broken Relationships and the Naive Art Museum.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.