“Mijo Kišpatić – An Unassuming Visionary” Exhibition Travels to Osijek

“Mijo Kišpatić – An Unassuming Visionary” Exhibition Travels to Osijek

13 November – 3 December 2026

Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek

The Croatian Natural History Museum continues to showcase the great figures of Croatian science across the country. The exhibition “Mijo Kišpatić – An Unassuming Visionary”, dedicated to one of Croatia’s most distinguished natural scientists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, will be on display at the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences in Osijek from 13 November to 3 December 2026.

The exhibition is part of the “Great Figures of Croatian Natural History” series, through which the Croatian Natural History Museum introduces the wider public to scientists whose work and discoveries have shaped the development of natural sciences in Croatia.

Mijo Kišpatić (1851–1926) was an exceptionally versatile scientist, museologist, educator and science populariser. His systematic research laid the foundations for the development of petrology, mineralogy, seismology and soil science in Croatia. Throughout his career, he published more than 180 scientific, professional and popular science works, often demonstrating an approach to research and methodology that was well ahead of its time.

His pioneering contribution to seismology is particularly noteworthy. Between 1884 and 1907, he compiled 24 seismological reports documenting and analysing 1,997 earthquakes, establishing a valuable scientific foundation for subsequent research into tectonic processes. His understanding of soil as a complex and dynamic system also anticipated key principles of modern soil science.

Kišpatić also made a lasting contribution to museum collections and practices. Through systematic curatorial work and carefully selected acquisitions, he significantly enriched the collections of the former National Museum in Zagreb. Of particular importance is his collection of volcanic lavas from Mount Vesuvius, comprising more than 250 specimens chronologically arranged according to their eruption dates. The collection remains an invaluable part of Croatia’s natural history and scientific heritage.

Alongside his scientific and museum work, Kišpatić was deeply committed to education and the popularisation of science. He authored or translated 16 textbooks, taught at secondary schools and higher education institutions, and published numerous books that made scientific knowledge accessible to a wider audience.

The exhibition’s presentation in Osijek also holds special biographical significance, as Kišpatić spent part of his teaching career at secondary schools in the city during the period between 1873 and 1894.

Despite his remarkable scientific achievements and broad contribution to the development of Croatian science, Kišpatić was known for his modesty and reluctance to seek personal recognition. The exhibition therefore seeks to shed new light on his place in the history of Croatian natural sciences and demonstrate the enduring relevance of his research, scientific methods and visionary ideas.

About the Exhibition

The exhibition was created by Biserka Radanović-Gužvica, MSc, Ivan Razum, PhD, and Iva Mihoci, PhD.

It is organised by the Croatian Natural History Museum; the Brethren of the Croatian Dragon – Osijek Dragon Chapter; the Institute for Scientific and Artistic Work of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Đakovo; the Academy of Arts and Culture, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek; the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek; and the Deans’ Club – Slavonia and Baranja Branch.

The exhibition is coordinated by Professor Emeritus Antun Tucak, Prof. Tatjana Vlahović, PhD, and Iva Mihoci, PhD.

The exhibition is held under the patronage of the City of Osijek, with financial support provided by the City of Zagreb, the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia, the Croatian Natural History Museum, the Academy of Arts and Culture in Osijek, and the Institute for Scientific and Artistic Work of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Đakovo.

Venue: Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Exhibition dates: 13 November – 3 December 2026

Exhibition Credits

Guest Exhibition of the Croatian Natural History Museum

Great Figures of Croatian Natural History
Mijo Kišpatić – An Unassuming Visionary

Exhibition Patron: City of Osijek

Exhibition Organizers: Croatian Natural History Museum; Brethren of the Croatian Dragon – Osijek Dragon Chapter; Institute for Scientific and Artistic Work of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Đakovo; Academy of Arts and Culture, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek; Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek; Deans’ Club – Slavonia and Baranja Branch

Exhibition Coordinators: Professor Emeritus Antun Tucak, Prof. Tatjana Vlahović, PhD, Iva Mihoci, PhD

Exhibition Concept: Ivan Razum, PhD, Biserka Radanović-Gužvica, MSc, Iva Mihoci, PhD

Exhibition Authors: Biserka Radanović-Gužvica, MSc, Ivan Razum, PhD, Iva Mihoci, PhD

Scientific Consultants: Darija Ćaleta, Igor Boršić, PhD, Draško Holcer, PhD, Vlatka Mičetić Stanković, PhD

Animation: a2z agency

Photography: Croatian Natural History Museum Archives, Anel Zukanović

Exhibition Design and Spatial Concept: ma nu. creative&design studio / Dora Bence & Romana Kajp

Technical Production: Krešimir Novak, Roman Milinović, Ivan Razum, PhD, Iva Mihoci, PhD, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek

IT Support: Mišo Paunović

Marketing and Public Relations: Branimir Ivić

Exhibition Dates: 13 November – 3 December 2026

Venue: Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Financial support for the exhibition was provided by the City of Zagreb, the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia, the Croatian Natural History Museum, the Academy of Arts and Culture in Osijek, and the Institute for Scientific and Artistic Work of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Đakovo.