Why Is a Bee More Important Than a Human?

Concept Author: Dr. Iva Mihoci
Exhibition Authors: Dr. Iva Mihoci, Dr. Zorana Sedlar, Petar Crnčan
Expert Contributors: Prof. Dr. Ivana Tlak Gajger, Vedran Lesjak, BSc Agr., Dr. Vlatka Mičetić Stanković, Saša Petrić, Ankica Dušević, Darija Ćaleta, BSc Biol.
Illustrations: Franka Tretinjak
Photographers: Dr. Zorana Sedlar, Miljenko Sedlar, BSc Biol., Mateja Jagić, MSc Mol. Biol., Tatjana Šardi, Vitomir Mlinarec
Exhibition Design and Spatial Layout: Mario Galov
Graphic Design of Labels and Catalogue: Nikša Martinac

The exhibition presents the biology and ecology of bees and bee colonies, their interdependence with the plant world, and their essential role in maintaining biodiversity. It also explores traditional beekeeping practices from continental Croatia and neighbouring countries.

Bees and flowering plants are believed to have co-evolved during the Cretaceous Period, approximately 145.5 to 65.5 million years ago. Their role in pollination is invaluable for sustaining ecosystems, and a single bee colony can pollinate up to three million flowers in a single day.

The exhibition features numerous artefacts, bee specimens from the Croatian Natural History Museum’s Hymenoptera Collection, and expertly preserved plant species that depend on bee pollination.