Slovenské múzeum ochrany prírody a jaskyniarstva

The Slovak Museum of Nature Protection and Speleology

Useful Information

Location:	Liptovský Mikuláš
Open:	APR to OCT Mon-Fri 8-17, Sat, Sun 10-17. NOV to MAR Mon-Fri 8-16. [2011]
Fee:
Classification:	Cave and Karst Museum
Light:	Incandescent
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	Slovenské múzeum ochrany prírody a jaskyniarstva, Školská ul. č. 4, 031 01 Liptovský Mikuláš, Tel: +421-44-5477210, Fax: +421-44-5514381. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1930	Museum for local history and speleology founded.
1949	Museum concentrated on speleology in Slovakia.
1970	Central administration of all Slovak show caves and the museum.
1981	Museum became more assignments in nature conservation and was thus renamed Museum of the Sloval Karst and Nature Protection.
1987	Museum was again renamed into Museum for the Development of Environment Protection.
1990	Show caves, nature protection and museum split into three organizations. Museum renamed into Slovak Museum of Nature Protection and Speleology.

Description

The The Slovak Museum of Nature Protection and Speleology, often named Museum of Liptovský Mikuláš, is the central organization of speleological research in Slovakia. The museum always had the central cave registry and was supporting local caving clubs with advice, literature, money and equipment. The whole structure is obviously influenced by the socialist political system of the country. But this is not necessarily bad for the scientific research.

The museum has three sections: Protected Nature, Karst and Caves of Slovakia, and Minerals. This continuous exhibitions are completed with several short term exhibitions. Additional events are organized, like cultural and instructional events about speleology and nature protection.

The museum publishes the national speleological magazine which is called Slovenský Kras, Acta Carsologica Slovaca, since 1958. The museum shop Jaskyniarnik (little Cave Explorer) sells this and other literature, caving equipment and other related items.