The Croatian Natural History Museum in Challenging Times, 1846–2023

The Croatian Natural History Museum in Challenging Times, 1846–2023

The Croatian Natural History Museum in Challenging Times, 1846–2023

9 September – 7 October 2021

This exhibition presents the history of the institution and its activities on the path towards the new museum, offering an insight into the distinguished past of the palace, a selection from the museum’s rich collections, and the future values of the new museum. It highlights an important national institution that has shaped the history of Croatian natural sciences and achieved numerous scientific successes.

The Largest Museum in Zagreb by Collection Size – A Generator of Urban Development and Inclusion

We aim to preserve the history of this museum institution and the architectural heritage of the noble Pejačević/Amadéo Palace. Before the Croatian Natural History Museum moved into the building in 1868, it housed Zagreb’s first public theatre and first theatre café. The palace also served as the site of Ban Jelačić’s mint, the State Accounting Office, and later several departments of the Faculty of Science.

In 2021, the museum became a living example of comprehensive post-earthquake restoration in Zagreb’s Upper Town, a driver of urban development, and a place of research, learning, play, and curiosity.

New Features in Zagreb’s Year-Round Tourist Offer

The reconstruction of the museum and the establishment of a pedestrian connection between the Upper Town and the greenery of Tuškanac will make it easier for citizens to escape from the urban environment of Mesnička Street into nature. In this way, the palace and its visitors will once again enjoy the landscaped surroundings that existed as early as the 18th century, creating a unique open-air natural history museum in the heart of Zagreb.

Two bridges have been installed in the museum atrium on the first and second floors. Designed to accommodate large exhibits such as dolphin models, dinosaurs, and the skeleton of the Zagreb whale, they also provide attractive viewing points and facilitate circular visitor movement. The bridges further support the integration of modern technical solutions required for year-round cultural and scientific events.

The underground annex is a new architectural addition to the Amadéo Palace that does not disturb the surrounding Tuškanac landscape. Covering 351 m², it is intended for temporary and travelling exhibitions.

Science for the Public – New Technologies and Natural History Laboratories

New technologies and natural history laboratories form the strongest link between museum professionals and visitors, creating a space where scientific thinking meets public curiosity.

The permanent exhibition will feature approximately 5,000 selected objects from 114 collections. Each topic will be presented using modern interpretive methods, including multimedia installations, holograms, and laser projections. The exhibition is designed for visitors of all ages, fully accessible to people with disabilities, and supported by a multilingual interactive website and online museum shop.

The permanent exhibition begins in a multimedia hall with the thematic section Universe, featuring an impressive 8K projection. This hall represents a new addition to Zagreb’s tourist offer and will be available for a wide range of cultural, scientific, and business events.

The memorial rooms of Spiridion Brusina and Dragutin Gorjanović-Kramberger will remain preserved in their original restored form, retaining the spirit of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors will view them through glass walls, creating the impression of a time capsule while preserving their authentic arrangement.

A Journey Through Time

The unique collection of 1.43 million objects and the 176-year tradition of the Croatian Natural History Museum will shine in a new light.

The permanent exhibition will take visitors on a journey through time—from the formation of Earth 4.5 billion years ago, through the evolution of life and the appearance of humans, to the extraordinary diversity of species that surrounds us today and faces increasing conservation challenges.

The exhibition was financially supported by the City of Zagreb Office for Culture.

Exhibition patron: Freywille