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Croatia
Krapina Neanderthal Museum
The EHL Site
The Hušnjakovo site was discovered on the 23rd of August 1899 by the famous Croatian palaeontologist Dragutin Gorjanović-Kramberger and it bore the biggest collection of Neanderthal fossil bones found in one place. In total, there were about 900 bones and 1200 stone tools belonging to Neanderthals found; as well as 2400 animal bones. The site was declared a Protected Natural Area in 1948 and the first Palaeontological Monument of Nature in 1961. Because of the importance of the findings, the Museum of Evolution was opened in 1971 and continued its work until the opening of the new Krapina Neanderthal Museum on the 27th of February 2010. The authors of the new Museum are architect Željko Kovačić and palaeontologist Jakov Radovčić.
The Museum offers guided tours in Croatian and English, as well as audiogiudes, organises workshops for children of all ages and adults. Additionally, temporary exhibitions and various events (plays, concerts, shows, popular science lectures…) are hosted in the Museum.
European dimension
The Hušnjakovo site holds a strong symbolic European value, which emphasizes the common history of Europe, the construction of the Union, European values and human rights on which the process of European integration is based as well as diverse cultural heritage. Krapina Neanderthal Museum with Hušnjakovo was the first of its kind in Croatia to receive the European Heritage Label in 2016, as it was recognized as a site of exceptional importance for the history of European humanity.
The organization
The Krapina Neanderthal Museum often partners with local communities, as well as other museums and institutions, promoting education and preserving our heritage. Few times a year, during special events (e.g. The European Archaeological Days, Ice Age Europe Week, The European Heritage Days, City Day), the Museum offers free entrance, workshops and guided tours. Considering that Croatia is a popular tourist destination, Krapina Neanderthal Museum is very well known among locals and tourists alike.