Did you know that Zagreb has a space dedicated to the role mothers have played in passing down various traditions from generation to generation in the past?
Croatian house – “a Mother’s Story” is a space dedicated to the important role women have played in Croatian households over the years. It was opened in 2011.
The interior is decorated as a typical rural house from the late 19th and early 20th ct. Croatia was still part of the Austro Hungarian monarchy, which was the largest producer and exporter of agricultural products in the world and the only European country that invested in rural development.
While the men worked in the field and managed the farm, women took care of the home. Older visitors will be able to recognize some objects, used in their grandmothers houses’, or maybe even in their own homes.
An old loom for linen is one of the most remarkable exhibits. It was used for making clothes, soft furnishings and fancy attire. There is also a millstone for grinding grain by hand, traditional pottery wheel with a pedal, as well as a slightly “newer” invention – a Singer sewing machine; scales with brass weights bowls, mortars and various sieves.
In addition to the exhibition, various ethno workshops take place here, the aim of which is to demonstrate the traditional methods of weaving with linen, embroidery, knitting, making the famous Lepoglava lace, jewellery, Licitar hearts, pottery and original souvenirs. It is also a place where exhibitions and lectures, as well as inter-regional and international cooperation and exchange take place.
Croatian house – “a Mother’s Story” is part of the non-profit project of the association Petra’s Knitters, whose aim is to promote original Croatian souvenirs and traditions throughout Croatia and worldwide.
Entrance is free.
You can visit it at Preradovićeva 31.
