7 Must-See Museums in Zagreb
A hotbed of arts and culture, Zagreb’s rich history is reflected in its vast selection of history museums and art galleries. Whether you want to marvel over artistic masterpieces or visit one of Europe’s most intriguing anthropology museums, here are our picks for must-see museums in the Croatian capital.
Zagreb Archaeological Museum
Dig a little deeper.
Start your tour of Zagreb’s museums with a journey through Croatian history at the Archaeological Museum. The institute’s vast 78,000-object collection includes a number of rare finds, including a 4,000-year-old ceramic censer (a container for incense), Egyptian mummies, and one of Europe’s most impressive collections of ancient coins.
Museum of Broken Relationships
An unusual look at love and break-ups.
The innovative Museum of Broken Relationships is hands-down one of the most popular and unusual museums in Croatia. Inside, exhibitions showcase a heart-warming collection of letters, keepsakes, mementos, and personal stories that chronicle love and heartbreak around the world.
Croatian Museum of Naïve Art
A look at a Croatian art movement.
Located in Zagreb's Upper Town (Gornji Grad), the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art is devoted to the vibrant “Naïve art” style that originated in Croatia in the 20th century. Almost 2,000 works are on display in the museum.
Museum of Illusions
You won't believe your eyes.
Take a break from sightseeing and immerse yourself in the weird, wonderful, and wacky world of the Museum of Illusions. The site’s interactive multimedia exhibits include optical illusions, holograms, puzzles, and a mirror maze.
Zagreb City Museum
Learn about the Croatian capital.
Venture to the Zagreb City Museum for a comprehensive look at the past and present of the Croatian capital. Inside, exhibitions offer insight into the city’s history, economics, politics, and everyday life, as well as its cultural heritage, rich art history, and striking architecture.
Mimara Museum
One of the city's top art attractions.
Named after local art collector Ante Topic Mimara, the Mimara Museum is one of Zagreb’s most important art museums. One of a number of museums clustered around Zrinjevac Square in Zagreb’s Lower Town (Donji Grad), the Mimara features exhibits on everything from ancient Egyptian glassware and Roman archaeological finds to iconic artworks by European masters such as Rembrandt, Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, and Van Dyck.
Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters
Incredible artworks from big names.
The personal art collection of Bishop Strossmayer, the Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters displays works by artists such as Andrija Medulic, Veronese, Tintoretto, Fragonard, and Boucher. Its prize possession is a painting of Mary Magdalene by El Greco.
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Zoë Smith is a British travel writer, editor, and digital content creator who has lived, worked, and traveled over six continents, and is currently based near Nantes, France. She has written for Rough Guides, CNN, and Culture Trip, and is digital editor at FrenchEntrée.