Someone told me a few years ago that Zagreb has the most museums per capita in the world. Whether or not that is true, there do so seem to be a LOT of them, some of them very successful, and some of them very peculiar. It is a mix that adds a level of attraction to the visitor, while putting Zagreb on the cultural map of the world.
Arguably the most innovative and best-known of Zagreb’s museums is not the one that has travelled the globe more than any other in museum franchise history.
Ask most guidebooks what there is to see and do in Zagreb, and the response will undoubtedly include a visit to the Museum of Broken Relationships.
Located in the historic Upper Town in its permanent home since 2010, the Museum of Broken Relationships was the brainchild of a Croatian couple who had just finished a relationship and were dividing up their belongings. Olinka Zvisitica and Drazen Grubisic decided that it would be cool to have a place where people could showcase momentoes of their failed relationships, to help them move on, as well as to acknowledge to the world that this love had existed.
First exhibited in 2006 with contributions from friends, the concept was an absolute hit, and today the museum houses more than 4,000 exhibits that have been donated, with around 70 on display at any one time. A caption explaining the story and the relevance of the item gives a poignancy to every exhibit. Exhibits range from a prosthetic leg to 30-year-old scabs in a petri dish, and pretty much everything in between.
The exhibition has toured the globe, and in 2016, the Museum of Broken Relationships Los Angeles opened in California, the first time that a Zagreb museum appeared elsewhere. But it was not long before a new kid on the block would truly put Zagreb museums on the world stage.
In 2015, two Croatian enthusiasts looking to offer an interactive edutainment product of photogenic exhibits and rooms of illusion opened a new concept in the Croatian capital, called the Museum of Illusions. I have no idea what the expectations were of the two founders, Roko Zivkovic and Tomislav Pamukovic, but the 8 years that have followed have been truly breathtaking. Already with locations in places such as Toronto, New York, Dubai, Chicago, Athens, Vienna, Paris, Madrid and Istanbul, last week, the 41st and 42nd Museum of Illusions opened in Austin and Scottsdale. The Museum of Illusions is now the largest chain of private museums in the world.
Which of the innovative Zagreb museums will be next, if any? Well, there are certainly some unusual ones to take in on your next visit to the city. Here are some of the more unusual museums which have not had that much global acclaim… yet.
Museum of Hangovers – I first came across this very centrally-located museum feeling a little fragile after a heavy night one morning on the way to a meeting. A Zagreb original, founder Rino Dubokovic introduces it best:
“After having a blast at a Beer fest, my friends and I went for one more drink to a bar next to where this Museum is today. As we were talking about funny stuff that was mostly drunk stories, my friend told us a story about how he recently woke up with a bike pedal in his pocket. Apparently, his friend was driving his bike when he drunkenly smashed into a pier, broke a pedal and fell down. As he was telling his story I thought of a great idea – a place or some sort of collection where all these objects from drunk stories (like this pedal) would be exposed together with their stories. And that is when the idea of Hangovers museum was born and came to life 6 months later.”
Tresnjevka Neighbourhood Museum – Not so well known, but a vey cool concept is the Tresnjevka Neighbourhood Museum, a great initiative to celebrate this very cool Zagreb neighbourhood.
“THE TREŠNJEVKA NEIGHBORHOOD MUSEUM is a project that we have run since 2018, with the goal of establishing a hybrid neighborhood institution where “its engine and purpose is the community, and the coexistence of men with their environment its foundation.” It is inspired by similar institutions one finds in poor working-class areas worldwide, in which the official, national, and imperialist white culture has bypassed oppressed communities and their needs. In the post-socialist context, over the past three decades, historical narratives as well as museum exhibition programs have systematically evaded themes related to workers’ struggle, socialist revolution, and building of socialist society. Since Trešnjevka is known for its rich working-class history, we have started an initiative for revalorization and historization of its heritage, in cooperation with the local community.
“Through THE TREŠNJEVKA NEIGHBORHOOD MUSEUM we work on setting up a neighborhood museum based on democratic principles of representation and mediation of its history, which will be open to all residents. We are building the future museum together with the community, through field research of Trešnjevka and continuous growth of its virtual collection, as well as through public arts and culture programs that focus on the local history and activate neighborhood’s residents.”
Museum of the New Wave – Museums these days offer interaction, besides the art displays – meet the Museum of the New Wave. The museum opened its door for the very first time in November 2022. Here, you can admire a synergy of 80s art in Croatia: from musicians, journalists, photographers, actors and directors, to numerous other artists. For every rock music lover, or ultimate 80s fan, the museum is a must-visit when in Zagreb. It will take you through a period when rock music, tight ripped jeans, big hair, leather jackets, and glasses were a must in every wardrobe.
Zagreb Cannabis Museum – Looking to relax on your next visit to Zagreb? There is a museum for that…
TripAdvisor puts the Zagreb Cannabis Museum on the global stage in its niche: “The most modern Cannabis Museum in the world is situated in Zagreb on 250sqm inner and 150sqm outer part. Rich programs, history overview, modern design, specialty for growers.”
Museum of Selfies and Memories – Not a Zagreb original after being imported in from the States, but a fun one for the contemporary visitor. Museum of Selfie and Memories Zagreb is the new place to be! It provides you with unlimited fun, massive joy and adorable pictures of unforgettable moments spent with your loved ones. It is a place where you will wake up the child in you and get an opportunity to take memorable selfies. Take a break from reality, get out of your usual routine, visit Museum of Selfie and Memories and make amazing photos. Peek into your imagination, have fun and unforgettable experience!
They never had museums like this when I was growing up… For a look at more museums in Zagreb, including the more traditional, click here.
