This paper is based on the idea of whether the Krapina Neanderthal Museum, although primarily a natural history museum, can also offer content that extends beyond the field of natural sciences. It emphasizes that science and art are not opposites but rather intertwine, fostering creativity and a deeper understanding of the world.

The museum, opened in 2010 at the globally significant Hušnjakovo Hill site, attracts great public interest, especially among children and young people. Its multimedia and interdisciplinary approach connects natural sciences with other areas such as history, geography, visual arts, and sociology.

Interdisciplinarity enriches teaching content and makes it more engaging. The museum is not only a place for displaying objects but also a space for learning, research, and entertainment, where visitors actively participate in the interpretation of themes, developing critical and analytical thinking.

Architecture of the Krapina Neanderthal Museum

The Krapina Neanderthal Museum is located outside the urban area of Krapina, surrounded by nature between Josipovac and Hušnjakovo hills. It was designed by architect Željko Kovačić, with the museological concept by Jakov Radovčić. The building resembles a cave, harmoniously integrated into its surroundings, and its form evokes a shell or embryo, which corresponds to the museum’s theme.

A large glass wall separates the exterior from the interior, while massive concrete walls give the structure a monumental character. The interior is organized as a labyrinth of organic spaces surrounding the main hall, with a spiral-shaped ramp. The visit begins in the lobby with a film about Neanderthal life, followed by a tour of the permanent exhibition.

The permanent exhibition of the Krapina Neanderthal Museum consists of 18 interconnected sections that blend natural science with artistic content. Rich scenography, including dioramas, multimedia, murals, and sculptures, enables visitors to gain a deeper understanding of scientific discoveries and historical periods.

Permanent Exhibition as an Example of Linking Natural Sciences and Art

The exhibition begins with the “Krapina Diorama” and the story of Dragutin Gorjanović-Kramberger’s research, followed by the section “In Search of Ancestors,” which uses artworks and architecture to illustrate scientific theories on human origins from the Renaissance to the 19^th century. Special emphasis is placed on humanism, Darwin’s theory, and Haeckel’s phylogenetic tree.

The discovery at Hušnjakovo Hill is presented through a detailed diorama and artistic interpretations, including a sculpture of Kramberger by Ivan Fiolić and a mural by Ana Barbić-Katičić. Kramberger's scientific work is set in the context of the Secession era, with connections drawn to Croatian art of the time.

A large glass wall separates the exterior from the interior, while massive concrete walls give the structure a monumental character. The interior is organized as a labyrinth of organic spaces surrounding the main hall, with a spiral-shaped ramp. The visit begins in the lobby with a film about Neanderthal life, followed by a tour of the permanent exhibition.

The permanent exhibition of the Krapina Neanderthal Museum consists of 18 interconnected sections that blend natural science with artistic content. Rich scenography, including dioramas, multimedia, murals, and sculptures, enables visitors to gain a deeper understanding of scientific discoveries and historical periods.

Permanent Exhibition as an Example of Linking Natural Sciences and Art

The exhibition begins with the “Krapina Diorama” and the story of Dragutin Gorjanović-Kramberger’s research, followed by the section “In Search of Ancestors,” which uses artworks and architecture to illustrate scientific theories on human origins from the Renaissance to the 19^th century. Special emphasis is placed on humanism, Darwin’s theory, and Haeckel’s phylogenetic tree.

The discovery at Hušnjakovo Hill is presented through a detailed diorama and artistic interpretations, including a sculpture of Kramberger by Ivan Fiolić and a mural by Ana Barbić-Katičić. Kramberger's scientific work is set in the context of the Secession era, with connections drawn to Croatian art of the time.

The final sections present the Pleistocene fauna of Krapina with Labaš’s mural and Fijolić’s interpretation of Phidias’ Amazon as a symbol of modern humanity, along with the unit “After the Neanderthals,” dedicated to Homo sapiens and his inherent need for artistic expression.

Here, a wide range of artifacts—from the Venus of Willendorf and Vučedol art to ancient portraits, pre-Romanesque reliefs, and Gothic frescoes—illustrates the evolution of human creativity. The exhibition concludes with the motif of the artist’s hand, taken from Vlaho Bukovac’s painting, as a symbol of identity, creation, and humanity’s imprint on history, as well as the hand of Nikola Tesla, Croatia’s most renowned scientist.

Educational Workshop as an Example of Linking Natural Sciences and Art

The Krapina Neanderthal Museum also embodies interdisciplinarity through educational workshops such as Imprint of Prehistory. In this program, participants first learn about fossils of extinct animals and plants, and then artistically create their imprints using relief printing techniques on everyday objects. In this way, scientific knowledge is connected with artistic expression.

The final sections present the Pleistocene fauna of Krapina with Labaš’s mural and Fijolić’s interpretation of Phidias’ Amazon as a symbol of modern humanity, along with the unit “After the Neanderthals,” dedicated to Homo sapiens and his inherent need for artistic expression.

Here, a wide range of artifacts—from the Venus of Willendorf and Vučedol art to ancient portraits, pre-Romanesque reliefs, and Gothic frescoes—illustrates the evolution of human creativity. The exhibition concludes with the motif of the artist’s hand, taken from Vlaho Bukovac’s painting, as a symbol of identity, creation, and humanity’s imprint on history, as well as the hand of Nikola Tesla, Croatia’s most renowned scientist.

Educational Workshop as an Example of Linking Natural Sciences and Art

The Krapina Neanderthal Museum also embodies interdisciplinarity through educational workshops such as Imprint of Prehistory. In this program, participants first learn about fossils of extinct animals and plants, and then artistically create their imprints using relief printing techniques on everyday objects. In this way, scientific knowledge is connected with artistic expression.