Speleon

Centre of Subterranean Heritage

Speleon is a striking circular structure covering 1,200 m², with 850 m² dedicated to a permanent exhibition showcasing the region’s natural and cultural heritage through four main themes – speleology, geology, archaeology, and paleontology.

The entrance to Speleon boasts a large glass façade, evoking a cave opening. The intricate layout of the surrounding exhibition rooms, arranged around a spacious multifunctional central hall, draws inspiration from the interplay of underground cave chambers and passageways. This vision was brought to life through the committed efforts of many skilled and passionate individuals.

 

Barać Caves are a renowned site where numerous Ice Age animal remains have been discovered. Until now, visitors to the Upper Barać Cave could view the impressive cave bear remains, displayed in the very spot where this Pleistocene creature was found. But what these animals actually looked like in flesh has remained a mystery – until today. The answer can be found in the atrium of Speleon, where visitors can come face-to-face with hyper-realistic replicas of exotic animals that inhabited this region during the Ice Age but can no longer be seen in this part of the world. At Speleon, guests can now encounter a woolly rhinoceros, cave lion, cave bear, wolf, and hyena. 

Where modern technology meets prehistory

In the atrium of Speleon, visitors are welcomed by hyper-realistic replicas of exotic animals that inhabited this region during the Ice Age but have since became extinct in this part of the world, including the woolly rhinoceros, cave lion, cave bear, wolf, and hyena.

The entire exhibition is supported by a range of modern, multimedia interpretation models, such as model displays, LCD screens, smartglass, replicas, animations and multitouch screens. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the visitor centre features a multifunctional hall, children’s play area, speleological library, refreshments area, souvenir shop, depot and parking lot.

 

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