- by croatiaweek
- November 5, 2025
-
in
News
Krapina Neanderthal Museum (Photo: Modzzak/Public Domain)
The Croatian Natural History Museum has launched an extraordinary exhibition titled “Skull C – World Palaeoanthropological Heritage”, dedicated to one of its most valuable fossil discoveries, the famous Skull C (Krapina 3).
Running from 6 November to 14 December 2025 at Demetrova 1 and 3, Zagreb, the exhibition invites visitors to explore a remarkable piece of Croatia’s scientific and cultural heritage.
The Neanderthal site in Krapina, discovered in the late 19th century on Hušnjakovo Hill, is one of the world’s key locations for palaeoanthropological research.
Excavations led by the renowned Croatian scientist Dragutin Gorjanović-Kramberger between 1899 and 1905 uncovered remains dating back around 130,000 years, now preserved at the Croatian Natural History Museum.
The Krapina collection is the largest assemblage of Neanderthal remains ever found in one place, containing fossils of several dozen individuals of varying ages and both sexes.
These finds have provided scientists with invaluable insights into Neanderthal life and evolution, allowing comparisons with discoveries from across Europe and Asia.
Among this exceptional collection, Skull C stands out as the most complete and best-known specimen – a cornerstone of global research into human evolution.
Traces found on its frontal bone even hint at the symbolic aspects of Neanderthal life, making it a subject of enduring scientific fascination.
An Encounter with a Priceless Fossil
At the heart of the exhibition is the original fossil skull, displayed within a specially designed protective case that maintains precise microclimatic and lighting conditions.
This allows visitors a rare, close encounter with a priceless artefact of global scientific significance.
Hušnjakovo Hill finding site (Photo: Modzzak/Public Domain)
Accompanying the display is a documentary film produced exclusively for the exhibition, combining striking visual sequences, 2D and 3D animations, and expert commentary to place Skull C within the broader story of Neanderthal discovery and understanding.
The exhibition has been carefully designed to appeal both to the general public and to experts. Visitors can engage with interactive educational materials, browse accompanying publications such as the exhibition catalogue, and join guided tours.
Special attention has been given to educational programmes for children and schools, featuring workshops, tailored tours, and hands-on activities aimed at inspiring curiosity about science and natural history among younger generations.
In addition to the main exhibition, a series of public and academic discussions will be held, involving museum staff and external experts in anthropology, palaeoanthropology and museology.
These events will further enrich the exhibition, turning it into a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration across disciplines.
(Croatian Natural History Museum)
The “Skull C – World Palaeoanthropological Heritage” exhibition offers a rare opportunity to journey deep into prehistory and witness one of Croatia’s most significant contributions to world science, a testament to humanity’s enduring quest to understand its own origins.
