Annex of Museum of Krapina neanderthals
Krapina, Hušnjakovo
Building area: 680m2
project 2022., author of conceptual design Željko Kovačić d.i.a., Baština d.o.o.

The Museum of Krapina Neanderthals, in Krapina, Hušnjakovo locality, next to the world’s most famous site of Neanderthal man, was built in 2010. according to the design of architect Željko Kovačić. The shape of the building repeats the appearance of a cave, which was also the habitat of Krapina prehistoric man, and, except for the entrance facade, it is completely buried in the surrounding terrain. Annex of the Museum of Neanderthals in Krapina, was created following the conceptual design made by late architect Željko Kovačić, in order to meet the Museum’s needs for additional spaces. The construction of a pavilion with additional exhibition space, space for educational workshops and catering facilities is planned on the roof of the museum building. On the plateau in front of the pavilion, there is a themed children’s playground, and on the slope next to the building, an open-air auditorium for additional events. The pavilion is recessed in relation to the entrance facade, and is not visible from the entrance square and access path. The pavilion follows the cave-like form of the museum building, it is closed on the back side facing the forest, and on the front side it is glazed and connected to the outside space through transitional covered space. Facade cladding with “corten” sheet harmoniously fits into the forest environment.