The Croatian Natural History Museum was ceremonially opened to the public on Monday after more than three years of extensive reconstruction, in the presence of senior state and city officials.
The renovation of the Museum cost €31.6 million, and its space was expanded to 4,700 square meters, with 3,600 square meters designated for visitors.
Tatjana Vlahović, Director of the Croatian Natural History Museum, thanked all who contributed to the project and stated that the renovation fulfilled a century-old dream of Croatian natural scientists. She emphasized the successful collaboration between various institutions and levels of government and noted that the European Union played a key role in financing the project.
This long-awaited project began in 2016 with the preparation of project documentation and resulted in a clear vision for expanding and renovating the historic Amadeo Palace into a modern, attractive 21st-century museum, where it has been housed for over 180 years, she said.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković congratulated everyone involved in completing one of “Zagreb’s most beloved museums,” highlighting the effective combination of financial resources.
He noted that the museum is just one of many significant cultural monuments currently undergoing restoration, with substantial investments in scientific, educational, and healthcare infrastructure.
For the restoration of Zagreb’s cultural heritage, €1.1 billion have been contracted so far, Plenković said.
PM: Decision for comprehensive restoration is of strategic importance
He recalled the government’s strategic decision after the earthquake not to simply return buildings to their original state but to carry out a full-scale restoration.
It will take longer, but what is important to us will remain permanent and safe, he said, adding that this key expert-political decision, based on the recommendations of experts, is crucial to understanding this entire process and the far-reaching significance of these investments, which are very important for the people of Zagreb and the city itself.
Mayor Tomislav Tomašević stated that the Croatian Natural History Museum is a city institution of which Zagreb is proud but has national significance as well.
Mayor: Museum is also a scientific and educational institution
“I believe that, with the Museum’s new permanent exhibition, there won’t be a school in Croatia that will not visit it sooner or later. The Museum is not only a cultural institution but also a scientific and educational one,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with the investments in new laboratories that will enhance the scientific work of the Museum’s staff and other researchers with whom the Museum collaborates, as well as in spaces for numerous workshops and educational activities.
He reminded the audience that the City of Zagreb contributed a third of the total renovation cost, approximately €10 million.
