A new permanent exhibition “Skeletarium” is open at the Latvian National Museum of Natural History. For the first time in the museum’s history, a separate exhibition is dedicated to the subject of vertebrate skeletons. Opening of “Skeletarium” is one of the highlights of the museum's 180th anniversary year.
The exhibition presents a wide range of osteological material. 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. 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.
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.
Exhibition design: SIA „DJA”
Funding: Latvian Environmental Protection Fund
The information in English audio guide is coming soon. Meanwhile we advise to use online translation tools.
Opening hours:
Monday – closed
Tuesday – closed
Wednesday 10.00–17.00
Thursday 10.00–17.00
Friday 10.00–17.00
Saturday 10.00–17.00
Sunday 10.00–17.00
Admission
Permanent exhibitions:
Adults – 3,50 €
University students – 2,50 €*
Seniors – 2,50 €*
Pupils – 1,50 €*
* ID required (student card, senior card etc.)
