Svijet kukaca – Palača Herzer

About the museum

Since 1954 the Entomological Department of the Gradski muzej Varaždin, today the Natural History Department, has been housed in the Classicist Herzer Palace in the centre of Varaždin. The core of the department is the collection of Franjo Košćec, a grammar school professor and the most important natural scientist of Varaždin, who was the founder and first curator of the department.

The permanent display “Svijet kukaca” (The World of Insects) was renovated in the late 20th century. The around 4,500 exhibits present the themes of forest, forest edge and meadow, water and shore, and night and soil. Alongside entomological specimens, the display includes vertebrate specimens, herbarium specimens of plants, enlarged insect models, photographs and objects from the estate of Professor Košćec, among them aids he devised and made himself. One room is arranged as his study, and part of the display is devoted to other Varaždin naturalists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The display is adapted for blind and partially sighted visitors: exhibits can be touched, and alongside insect models in natural and enlarged size there are relief depictions of nests and high-contrast illuminated engravings; the labels are printed in Braille and enlarged black print. An audio guide for the entire display and recordings of animal voices are also available.

Highlights

• Around 4,500 exhibits in four thematic sections
• Collection of Franjo Košćec and his study
• Enlarged insect models
• Display adapted for blind and partially sighted visitors
• Audio guide and recordings of animal voices

Permanent exhibition

• Svijet kukaca – Permanent display of the Natural History Department with around 4,500 exhibits arranged into the themes of forest, meadow, water and shore, and night and soil.

Founded

1954

Operated by

Gradski muzej Varaždin

Admission & discounts

Tickets are charged separately for viewing each department of the museum. For visits outside regular opening hours, double the ticket price is charged. The price list is valid from 15 February 2026.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The display “Dodirom do spoznaje” (Knowledge Through Touch) is intended for blind and partially sighted visitors: insect models, relief depictions of nests, high-contrast illuminated engravings and labels in Braille.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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