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The Museum of Evolution: A New Cultural Hub in Kamnik

by | Jul 1, 2026 | News, Outreach, Projects

Photo: Javni zavod za kulturo Kamnik jzkk.si

A Historic Setting for Prehistoric Stories

The Institute of Palaeobiology & Evolution is proud to announce a major future initiative: the development of the Museum of Evolution. This ambitious project will be housed in the historic Mekinje Monastery in Kamnik, Slovenia. The contrast between the ancient stone walls of the monastery and the millions of years of history contained within our fossil collections will create a unique space for reflection and learning.

Education and Public Engagement

Our commitment to making research accessible beyond the walls of academia is at the heart of this project. The Museum of Evolution will serve as a scientific, educational, and cultural center. It will present the grand story of evolution, showcasing Earth’s biological history and the importance of our shared fossil heritage to anyone eager to learn.

Photo by Sung Jin Cho on Unsplash

Connecting Science with Society

Through the museum, we aim to promote a deeper understanding of biodiversity, climate change, and the long-term history of our planet. It will be a place for public lectures, workshops, and school collaborations, designed to engage diverse audiences and inspire the next generation of scientists.

A Gateway to Discovery

This section of our activities serves as a gateway to the Institute’s most current achievements. By bringing scientific discoveries directly to the public, we foster curiosity and strengthen the relationship between research institutions and the community. The development of the Museum of Evolution is a cornerstone of our mission to preserve and share the history of life.

Franc Fritz Murgelj

Content and Technical Editor Franc Fritz Murgelj serves as the Content and Technical Editor for the Institute of Palaeobiology & Evolution (IPE) website. His unique background in the geosciences provides a strong foundation for managing the Institute’s scientific and digital presence. Franc studied Geology, and his early career was marked by a deep commitment to the field under the mentorship of the legendary Dr. Stanko Buser and Dr. Uroš Herlec. During his time at the Association of Friends of Youth (ZPM), he was responsible for coordinating activities for the association of young geologists and historians across Slovenia, fostering a passion for natural history in the next generation. Today, Franc is a specialist in strategic brand communication, offering consultancy and co-managing marketing communications and public relations for diverse clients. He is also a dedicated educator, conducting specialized workshops for young communicators and sales teams. At the Institute, Franc bridges the gap between complex research and public understanding. His expertise supports the Institute’s mission of public outreach and scientific communication. He plays a key role in ensuring that groundbreaking research—ranging from microCT imaging to stratigraphic discoveries—is disseminated effectively through the Institute's scientific journal platform and digital archives. His background in youth mentorship is particularly valuable as the Institute develops the Museum of Evolution in Kamnik, a project designed to engage diverse audiences and inspire future scientists. By applying his communication skills to the Institute’s digital resources, he ensures that the history of life on Earth is accessible, following FAIR data principles to support open and reproducible science.

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