Boathouse

At the very entry to the port of Veli Brijun, an unusual building clearly stands out - the Boathouse. It was built in 1902 in the Secession style of Austro-Hungarian architecture, and to this day it has attracted attention. It was home to Dr. Otto Lenz, the island doctor, in relation to whom this house has been called "La casa del Dottore" (the Doctor's House).

House of Dr. Otto Lenz

Interpretation and Education Center

The Interpretation and Education Center has been opened at the Boathouse of the Brijuni National Park.

Permanent exhibition

The permanent exhibition is presented in an innovative and interactive way and visitors can independently discover, learn and find out a great deal of information about the cultural, historical and natural heritage of the islands.

The Boathouse, a building characterized by Secession stylistic features, was erected in 1902 by Paul Kupelwieser, an Austrian industrialist and the owner of the islands at the time.

Dr. Otto Lenz

At the very entrance you will meet doctor Lenz who lived and worked in the Boathouse. He has spent more than 30 years with his family here, and therefore the introductory part of the exhibition is dedicated to his life on the island and to numerous famous visitors to the island at the beginning of the 20th century.

Inside the Interpretation and Education Center the interactve exhibition is divided into six thematic units: “Brijuni Time Machine”, “Brijuni Archipelago”, “Mainland,” “Submarine World”, “Threats” and “Awareness”.

Rooms organized according to themes

Thematic units

Brijuni Time Machine

In the Brijuni time machine you can find out all about the rich Brijuni history. Get to know the islands as the dinosaur promenade, the home of farmers, producers of superb olive oil and skilled stone-masons, the abode of visionary geniuses and the stage of important events in recent history.

Brijuni Archipelago

The impressively illuminated model of the archipelago is a perfect spot to take a rest and watch a film about the entire archipelago or about one of its 14 islands and islets. Owing to their natural values, many of these islands are strictly protected and inaccessible to the public.

Mainland

The Mainland exhibition space equipped as a research biological laboratory and the late nineteenth-century natural science museum acquaints visitors with the breathtakingly rich Brijuni flora and fauna through four of the most important habitats, i.e. grasslands, maquis shrublands, forests and mainland waters. Among other things, you will see our insect collections, enjoy the scents of Mediterranean nature and hear different bird songs.

Submarine World

To experience the Brijuni submarine world, visitors enter a room that feels like the interior of a submarine. Like genuine explorers, they will uncover numerous interesting facts about the mysterious marine life. Enjoy various films, interactive exhibits, collections and educational games.

Threats

This room feels more dramatic due to an ambience created by louder music and dark colours and it presents threats faced by all natural habitats as a consequence of irresponsible behavior towards nature and the environment.

Awareness

The last thematic unit is dominated by beauty, lushness, vitality of nature and its harmony - the main visual message of this room. We will remind you that all people are part of that harmony and perfection, responsible for life and its preservation. It demonstrates the importance of protected areas whose beauty, richness and diversity constitute the principal value, one of our most important natural resources.