Skull C – World Paleoanthropological Heritage
Exhibition “Skull C – World Paleoanthropological Heritage”
An interdisciplinary museum, scientific, and educational project dedicated to one of
the most important fossil finds in the collection of the Croatian Natural History Museum —
the so-called Skull C, also known as Krapina 3.
About the Exhibition
The exhibition “Skull C – World Paleoanthropological Heritage”
is an interdisciplinary museum, scientific, and educational project of the Croatian
Natural History Museum dedicated to one of the most important fossil finds in its
collection — the so-called Skull C, or Krapina 3.
It is the most complete and best-known specimen from the Krapina Diluvium Collection,
representing a key reference in global paleoanthropology and the study of human evolution.
Scientific Context
Krapina Neanderthal site
The Krapina Neanderthal site is one of the most important paleoanthropological
locations in the world. It was discovered in the late 19th century on Hušnjakovo
Hill in Krapina and excavated between 1899 and 1905 under the leadership of
Dragutin Gorjanović-Kramberger.
Age and preservation
The finds are approximately 130,000 years old and are preserved at the Croatian
Natural History Museum.
Global importance
The Krapina collection is the largest collection of Neanderthal remains from a
single site in the world, consisting of remains of dozens of individuals of
different ages and sexes. This enables important insights and comparisons with
other sites.
Skull C
Skull C is the most prominent specimen in the collection. In addition to its
anatomical features, traces on the frontal bone are interpreted in the context
of possible symbolic behaviour.
Exhibition Setup
Displayed as the central exhibit
Special protective case with controlled microclimatic and lighting conditions
Documentary film with 2D and 3D animations
Expert commentary on the significance of Skull C in Neanderthal research
Educational and Supporting Program
The exhibition includes
- Interactive educational materials
- Exhibition catalogue and publications
- Guided tours
- Workshops for children and youth
A special focus is placed on school programs and science popularization among
younger audiences.
Public and Expert Program
A series of public and academic discussion programs is planned, involving museum
professionals and external experts in anthropology, paleoanthropology, and museology.
The exhibition is designed as both a scientifically grounded and publicly accessible
museum experience.
Authors
Dražen Japundžić
Ivor Janković