Magic of Advent at the Croatian Natural History Museum
1–31 December 2024
Croatian Natural History Museum
Branimir Ivić
🗓️ 1–31 December 2024
The Croatian Natural History Museum invites visitors to experience the magic of Advent at Gradec (Gornji grad). Through a rich and diverse program of creative workshops, DNA detective activities, astronomy lectures, and contemporary museum topics, as well as classical music concerts, the museum offers a unique blend of science, art, and festive atmosphere.
The program includes interactive activities for children, engaging lectures supported by state-of-the-art 3D technology, and musical performances in the newly renovated museum spaces. Alongside special exhibitions and initiatives that foster community spirit, the museum becomes a must-visit destination for families and all lovers of science and culture during the Advent season.
A 20% discount on museum publications is available in the gift shop during the Advent period.
🗓️ 4 December (FULLY BOOKED)
⏰ 16:30
📍 Croatian Natural History Museum (multimedia hall), Demetrova 1
🪐 Workshop: Become a Space Explorer!
Are you ready for a journey through space? This workshop takes you on an unforgettable adventure! Using a 3D deep-space projection system and Xbox controllers, participants explore planets, stars, and galaxies. Discover what Earth looks like from afar, visit Mars, and travel through distant galaxies. Become true space explorers! 🌌
🎫 €5 per person (with museum ticket)
FULLY BOOKED
🗓️ 5 December (FULLY BOOKED)
⏰ 17:00
📍 Pedagogical workshop, Demetrova 1
🪐 Workshop: “O Christmas Trees” – Let’s Talk About Conifers!
A festive workshop dedicated to Christmas trees. But what exactly do we decorate—spruce, fir, or pine? Learn how to distinguish different conifers and create holiday cards or ornaments.
🎫 €5
FULLY BOOKED
🗓️ 4 December
⏰ 18:00
📍 Multimedia hall, Demetrova 1
🪐 Lecture: The Wonders of the Solar System – A Space Adventure with Ante Radonić
A fascinating journey through planets, stars, and galaxies using revolutionary deep-space technology.
Led by renowned Croatian astronomer Ante Radonić, participants experience immersive 3D visualizations and virtual travel across planetary surfaces.
🎫 Free entry
🗓️ 8 December
⏰ 19:00
📍 Museum atrium
🎻 Advent Concert: White Quartet
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of classical music in the unique atmosphere of the newly renovated museum atrium.
The White Quartet, known for original arrangements and international collaborations, presents a festive program designed to capture the spirit of Advent.
🎫 Free entry
🗓️ 11 December
⏰ 17:00
🪐 Lecture: The Secret of the Star of Bethlehem – A Space Adventure with Ante Radonić
A journey through space using advanced visualization technology, exploring planets and celestial phenomena related to the Star of Bethlehem.
🎫 Free entry
🗓️ 12 December (FULLY BOOKED)
🪐 DNA Detective Workshop – DNA Barcoding in Animal Forensics
Participants learn how DNA barcoding is used to identify animal species from minimal biological traces. The workshop simulates real forensic investigations and highlights efforts against wildlife trafficking.
🎫 €5
FULLY BOOKED
🗓️ 13 December (CANCELLED due to illness of lecturer)
🪐 Lecture: 125 Years of Discovering the Krapina Neanderthals
A lecture on the pioneering work of Dragutin Gorjanović-Kramberger and modern insights into Neanderthal life.
🎫 Free entry
CANCELLED
🗓️ 14 December (FULLY BOOKED)
🪐 Workshop: “O Christmas Trees” – Conifer Identification & Crafts
🎫 €5
FULLY BOOKED
🗓️ 15 December
⏰ 19:00
🎻 Concert: The Magic of Viennese Music – Strauss Ensemble
A festive classical music evening inspired by traditional Viennese New Year concerts, performed by the Strauss Ensemble.
🎫 Free entry
🗓️ 17 December (two events)
🪐 Workshop (16:00) – “O Christmas Trees” (FULLY BOOKED)
🪐 Lecture (17:00) – Electron Microscopy in the New Natural History Museum
A presentation on advanced electron microscopy and its role in modern research, education, and museum work.
🎫 Free entry
🗓️ 19 December (two events)
🪐 Lecture (18:00) – The Wonders of the Solar System with Ante Radonić
Same immersive astronomy lecture series as earlier sessions.
🎫 Free entry
🪐 Workshop (17:00) – DNA Detective (FULLY BOOKED)
🗓️ 19 December onwards
🖼️ Exhibition: “Museum in Focus”
A multimedia exhibition presenting the history and development of the Croatian Natural History Museum, including 3D reconstructions, video presentations, and collaborations with photographic institutions.
🎫 Included with museum ticket
🗓️ 20 December (11:00)
🌿 Launch: Mobile Game “PrirodoslovniGPS”
An interactive mobile app that turns exploring Zagreb’s flora and fauna into an educational adventure game. Be among the first to try it and learn about urban biodiversity in a fun way.
🗓️ 27 December (12:00)
🪐 Workshop: Become a Space Explorer!
Repeat of the immersive 3D space exploration workshop.
🎫 €5
🗓️ From 31 December
🦪 Exhibition: “Oysters of Ancient Seas”
A geological and biological exhibition exploring fossil oysters from Croatia and Europe, their evolution, survival strategies, and role in biodiversity through geological time.
🎫 Included with museum ticket
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