Prehistoric discoveries for all ages at the Krapina Neanderthal Museum

Learning through play and discovery

Over the course of four days, families explored fossils, minerals, and the life of Neanderthals through engaging workshops. Participants visited the museum’s permanent exhibition and the Hušnjakovo excavation site, tried their hand at making a Neanderthal spear, and took part in the art workshop “Prehistoric Imprint”. Children and parents alike also joined a fossil and mineral treasure hunt, demonstrating their curiosity and enthusiasm for geology and paleontology.

Workshops on human evolution gave participants the chance to examine replicas of fossil skulls of human ancestors and create clay models of extinct species such as Australopithecus and Neanderthals, sparking both imagination and scientific reflection.

A journey underground

As in previous years, the final day of the programme concluded with a field trip — this time in collaboration with the City of Samobor and the St. Barbara Mine. Families explored 350 metres of historic mining tunnels in the Sveto Trojstvo and Kokel trenches, gaining first-hand experience of the region’s mining heritage. This excursion added a valuable experiential dimension, connecting geological exploration with cultural history.

Led by museum advisor-educator Lorka Lončar Uvodić and curator-educator Mirjana Biljan, together with other museum staff, the programme attracted around 18 children accompanied by parents, grandparents, and other family members. Through play, exploration, and creativity, ROK at Hušnjakovo once again brought generations together, turning the EHL Site into a space of shared learning and unforgettable memories.