Celebrating Ice Age Europe Week and European Heritage Days at the Krapina Neanderthal Museum

The Krapina Neanderthal Museum recently marked Ice Age Europe Week, a celebration that connects sites across Europe to explore life during the Ice Age. The museum kicked off the event with a hands-on workshop for elementary school children focused on mammoths. Participants had the chance to learn about these prehistoric creatures, view original fossil remains, and craft their own diorama depicting a mammoth in its Ice Age environment. The following day, visitors enjoyed free entry to the museum’s permanent exhibition, adding to the festive atmosphere.

On October 2, the museum introduced a guest exhibition from the City Museum of Varaždin titled “Erik/a.” This unique exhibition presents the story of the woolly rhinoceros, featuring the only in situ find of this Ice Age animal in Croatia.

As part of European Heritage Days, celebrated since September, the museum offered visitors an interactive tour of Krapina’s cultural and natural history. Visitors used an interactive map, “Route of the Vienna Anthropological Society,” retracing the path taken by world-renowned anthropologists in 1904, led by the notable Dragutin Gorjanović-Kramberger. On October 13, a special guided tour and open house event allowed the public free access to the museum’s permanent exhibition, enhancing the community’s connection to local heritage. The day culminated with the unveiling of a bust honoring Vilibald Sluga, Krapina’s celebrated mayor, at the foot of Hušnjakovo hill.

The museum is preparing additional activities, workshops, and a special performance celebrating the discovery anniversary of Lucy, the oldest hominid skeleton. Upcoming events include a workshop series titled “On Horseback to the Museums,” exploring the historical and cultural significance of horses, and the December opening of the “Experimental Archaeology” exhibition.

For event details and updates, follow the museum’s website and social media channels.