Froggyland, Taxidermy museum in Split, Croatia
Froggyland is a taxidermy museum in Split, Croatia, holding 507 stuffed edible frogs (Rana esculenta) arranged in 21 dioramas. The scenes show the frogs at school, playing poker, swimming, in a gym, smoking and performing in a circus. The museum stands beside the 4th-century Palace of Diocletian.
Hungarian taxidermist Ferenc Mere worked on this collection between 1910 and 1920, crafting each piece individually. The exhibits later traveled to Croatia and found their permanent home in Split.
The frogs wear tiny garments and hold miniature tools while reenacting activities such as teaching, hairdressing, or playing cards. These scenes capture everyday moments from over a century ago, when such displays enjoyed popularity among audiences.
Froggyland stands beside the 4th-century Palace of Diocletian in the centre of Split, so it is easily reached on foot from the old town. The frogs are re-treated every five years with injections of formaldehyde and ammonia and given a fresh coat of varnish, so displays may be closed off briefly during that work.
The preservation method removes internal organs entirely while keeping the outer skin and natural proportions intact. Each animal retains its original size and shape without visible incisions or stitching.
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