THE STONE BOOK OF THE PALEONTOLOGICAL MUSEUM: SCIENTIFIC HERITAGE OF THE DISTINGUISHED RESEARCHERS OF THE IVAN FRANKO NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF LVIV

Abstract

The article explores the Paleontological Museum of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv as a unique repository of scientific heritage, shaped by the efforts of several generations of researchers over two centuries. The museum exhibition, which can be viewed as a “stone book”, represents not only fossilized remains of flora and fauna from various geological epochs but also scientific ideas, discoveries, and research traditions developed within the university community. Special attention is given to the contributions of prominent scientists to the formation of the museum’s collection, its scientific value as a source for both fundamental and applied research, and its educational potential in the context of contemporary challenges.The role of the museum as a platform for preserving, interpreting, and transmitting knowledge about Earth’s geological past is analyzed, along with its significance in shaping ecological awareness, cultural memory, and national identity. The museum is presented as an important tool for promoting natural sciences, fostering interdisciplinary integration, and enhancing scientific communication. The importance of engaging young people in research activities through museum projects, excursions, and interactive events is emphasized. The article outlines prospects for the museum’s modernization in the digital age, particularly through the creation of virtual exhibitions, digital archives, and interactive educational programs, which open new opportunities for engaging a broad audience and cultivating a lasting interest in natural heritage while preserving scientific memory for future generations.