Mijo Kišpatić – a Quiet Visionary
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Great Figures of Croatian Natural Science – Mijo Kišpatić
The Croatian Natural History Museum in Zagreb presents a unique exhibition dedicated
to Mijo Kišpatić, one of the most important Croatian natural scientists of the late
19th and early 20th century.
About the Exhibition
In 2026, we mark the 175th anniversary of Mijo Kišpatić’s birth and the 100th
anniversary of his death. The exhibition offers a comprehensive insight into his
scientific work, museological contribution, and exceptional role in popularizing
natural sciences in Croatia.
The exhibition “Mijo Kišpatić – A Quiet Visionary” guides visitors
through the life and work of a scientist who laid the foundations of seismology,
pedology, and modern geology and mineralogy.
His scientific conclusions were often ahead of their time, and many were confirmed
only decades later.
What Can You See at the Exhibition?
Rare mineral specimens from the world’s most famous localities
A unique collection of Vesuvian lavas personally collected by Kišpatić
Key discoveries and conclusions from his scientific work
Digitized popular-science works that were bestsellers of their time
Who Was Mijo Kišpatić?
Life and education
Mijo Kišpatić was born in 1851 in Osijek. He studied natural sciences in Vienna
and earned his doctorate in Zagreb.
Scientific and museum work
He was a professor, academician, and head of the Mineralogical-Petrographic
Department of the former National Museum.
Legacy
During his career, he published more than 180 scientific and popular works,
advanced petrography to a European level, significantly enriched the museum’s
mineral collections, and popularized science among the wider public.
Why Visit the Exhibition?
The exhibition offers an opportunity to
- discover one of the most important Croatian scientists
- understand the development of natural sciences in Croatia
- experience valuable museum and scientific heritage
- find inspiration for your own exploration of science
Exhibition Information
Great Figures of Croatian Natural Science
Mijo Kišpatić
Croatian Natural History Museum
Demetrova 1, Zagreb
18 May – 1 September 2026
Ivan Razum, PhD
Iva Mihoci, PhD
Biserka Radanović-Gužvica, MSc
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Authors
dr. sc. Ivan Razum,
dr. sc. Iva Mihoci
mr. sc. Biserka Radanović-Gužvica