Revitalization of cultural heritage in the historic city center after earthquakes - bringing together different stakeholders

The project focused on the reconstruction and expansion, interior design, and new permanent exhibition in the Palace Amadeo, a building with cultural monument status. The aim was to strengthen the capacities of the Croatian Museum of Natural History and increase the tourism, cultural, economic, scientific and educational capacities of the City of Zagreb and the Zagreb urban agglomeration. The project purpose was to contribute to cultural tourism development in the City of Zagreb, and spur employment and economic growth in the agglomeration by drawing on the potential of cultural heritage and the scientific values of CNHM. The project included investments under integrated development approach that contribute to the local and regional economy and employment.

Accomplished project objectives and activities are:
- Diverse construction and heritage conservation works to reconstruct and expand the museum building;
- New interior design and new permanent exhibition covering over 3600 m2, multimedia hall, covered atrium, souvenir shop and cafeteria;
- New museum scientific laboratories and laboratory accreditation;
- Destination promotion and marketing activities based on cultural, scientific and tourism heritage.

The museum had to overcome complex issues by successfully bringing together a range of different stakeholders from local, national and international levels to secure achievable solutions within the limited timeframe. This proved especially challenging in the face of the aftermath of 2020 earthquakes that damaged museum's heritage premises and the consequent spikes in the prices of building materials and services.

This project is an excellent example of a major undertaking to revitalize cultural heritage in the old city center. It can serve as a good source of knowledge and inspiration for other cities and regions on how to overcome complex challenges, including post-earthquake recovery, and successfully bring together various stakeholders from different governance levels to achieve a goal that contributes to green, digital and social transformation of the city and surrounding urban area.

One of the main strategies employed by the museum was to establish its presence on other digital platforms through user generated content, rather than creating its own accounts. By having visitors generate their own content and spread them on digital platforms and social channels that the museum itself is not present on, the public has enabled the museum staff to keep working towards fulfilling the vision of establishing a production department that will produce high end content that is as magnificent as the new building and its permanent exhibition. This included embracing the newest trends in digital presence, and utilizing new ways of sharing the vision, mission and goals with the general public.

Facing the “new normal” and withstanding the 2020 earthquake that shook the very foundations of Zagreb, the museum leaped into a new era with a vision of offering visitors unique experience. By embracing and embedding the latest technology, the museum has become the leading institution for the preservation and presentation of cultural heritage. Having reopened just a few months ago (in October 2024), it is now brimming with visitors (over 100.000) from all over the region.

The purpose of renovating and refurbishing the Amadeo Palace was achieved, it led to strengthen the museum capacities and contribute to the development of the cultural, tourism, economic, and scientific activities of the Zagreb Urban Agglomeration. After finishing the renovation project, the visitor numbers and their satisfaction increased, the museum positively contributed to agglomeration's tourism indicators, and progress is highly measurable in the museum lab and scientific activities. A significant step forward is visible in tourism development, and the conservation and presentation of Croatian cultural heritage, through the recruitment of 12 new employees.

Potential for transfer:

1. Enhanced Educational Programs: developed programs integrate scientific and natural history heritage, and provide a multidisciplinary learning experience for visitors.

2. Research Collaboration: established partnerships with other science and research institutions allow collaborative research efforts, enhancing scientific and heritage knowledge and transfer.

3. Community Involvement: organizing workshops, diverse events, and interactive exhibitions that promote lifelong learning and active participation in heritage and nature conservation.

4.  Technological Integration: immersive learning experiences make complex scientific concepts and heritage more accessible using advanced technologies (SEM, 3D 4K deep space, interactive displays).

5.  Sustainable Practices: project emphasizes sustainable management of natural history heritage, educating on the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship.

https://www.hpm.hr/