The exhibition “Skeletarium” presents a wide range of osteological material. Nearly 300 specimens showcase the diversity of vertebrate skeletons. The exhibition features cartilage and bone skeletons and skeletal parts, for example, skulls, fins, limbs and vertebrae of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
The exhibition material was created over a period from the early 20th century to the present day. Latvian fauna is widely represented, however skeletons and skeletal parts of vertebrate species from other regions are also exhibited. The exhibition highlights the axial skeleton parts such as skull, vertebral column, ribs and sternum, and the appendicular skeleton. The structure and functions of these parts, as well as their adaptations to the animal’s living environment are described. A separate display case shows cartilages and bones that are not classified as a part of a skeletal system.
The rich diversity of specimens allows visitors to explore and compare structural features of different skeletons, as well as their shared and distinguishing characteristics.
Skulls are numerically the most abundant, with a significant portion comprising a historical collection of skulls from Latvian bird species. Skeletons of the Bactrian camel, the rhea, stingray, the spectacled caiman, the Galápagos tortoise and other vertebrates are displayed. A vertebra of a fin whale, one of the largest animals in the world, is also on a display.
The exhibition includes various interactive activities.
The specimens from the zoological collection of the Latvian National Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Osteology of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies are displayed.
Scientific consultations were kindly provided by the Museum of Osteology of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.
The exhibition was created with the financial support from the Latvian Environmental Protection Fund and was opened on December 11, 2025.