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Top Museums in Zagreb You Shouldn’t Miss

Zagreb's museum scene has undergone significant transformation following the 2020 earthquake, with many institutions reopening with fresh exhibitions and innovative approaches in 2025. Despite the challenges, the Croatian capital continues to offer a remarkable array of cultural experiences that showcase everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary art.

1. Museum of Broken Relationships

This internationally acclaimed museum remains Zagreb's most unique attraction. Housing personal mementos from failed relationships worldwide, it offers an emotional journey through love and loss. The museum has maintained its operations throughout the post-earthquake period and continues to attract visitors with its poignant collection.

Located in Upper Town near St. Mark's Church. Buy tickets online to skip queues during peak season. Allow 1-2 hours. The emotional content can be intense - bring tissues. Great museum shop for unique gifts.

2. Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU)

As Croatia's largest and most modern art museum, MSU showcases over 12,000 artworks with approximately 600 pieces on permanent display. The striking building designed by Igor Franić features a famous slide exit and hosts rotating exhibitions of both Croatian and international contemporary artists.

Take tram #6 to the end (Sopot) - journey takes 30 minutes from center. Opens at 11:00. Don't miss the slide exit! Excellent café with outdoor seating. Free lockers available. Photography allowed without flash.

3. Croatian Museum of Naïve Art

Located in the historic Upper Town, this museum celebrates Croatia's distinctive naïve art movement. With about 2,000 pieces in its collection, it displays approximately 80 works at any time, featuring paintings, sculptures, and prints from 20th-century self-taught artists.

Small museum - 45 minutes sufficient. Combine with nearby attractions in Upper Town. No photography allowed. Discount with Zagreb Card. Best visited in morning for natural light on paintings.

4. Zagreb City Museum

Following earthquake damage, the museum has reopened with limited exhibitions while restoration continues. Currently featuring displays on Zagreb's urban development and a special exhibition "ZG POTRES. HALO 193" about the city's earthquake history, running through 2025.

Located in restored 17th-century convent. Only ground floor currently accessible. Free entry first Sunday of month. Excellent gift shop with local crafts. Combine with nearby Tkalčićeva Street for dining.

5. Archaeological Museum

Partially reopened after earthquake repairs, the museum continues to showcase Croatia's rich archaeological heritage spanning 2.5 million years. Special exhibitions are hosted on the first floor while restoration work continues on other sections.

 Check website for current accessible areas. Egyptian collection is must-see. Free audio guides available. No large bags allowed - use free lockers. Beautiful building worth photographing from outside.

6. Technical Museum Nikola Tesla

Famous for its Tesla demonstrations and interactive science exhibits, this family-friendly museum features diverse technology collections. Note the limited weekend hours (closes at 13:00 on Fridays and Saturdays).

Tesla demo times: 11:30 and 15:30 weekdays. Arrive early on weekends - closes at 13:00. €4 entry very affordable. Toilets located outside main building. Great for rainy days with kids.

7. Ethnographic Museum

Housed in a beautiful Secession-style building, the museum has reopened post-earthquake with exhibitions focusing on Croatian cultural heritage through personal stories and artifacts.

Building architecture worth the visit alone. Located near main square. Senior discounts available. Good temporary exhibitions - check current program. Accessible by all major tram lines.

8. Museum of Illusions

This interactive museum offers 70+ optical illusions and mind-bending exhibits. Visitors are encouraged to become part of the displays, making it perfect for families and photography enthusiasts.

Book online to avoid queues. Bring camera/phone - photos encouraged! Staff help with trick photography. Can get crowded - visit early morning or late afternoon. Takes 60-90 minutes.

9. Mushroom Museum

A hidden gem displaying over 1,600 mushroom species, this unique museum offers an surprisingly fascinating look at mycology with specimens carefully preserved and labeled as edible, poisonous, or delicious.

2nd floor above Dolac Market - easy to miss entrance. Open weekdays 10:00-16:00 only. Knowledgeable owners happy to answer questions. Combine with market visit. Allow 1 hour.

10. Zagreb 80s Museum

Step back into Yugoslavia's final decade in this nostalgic recreation of a 1980s apartment. Everything is touchable and interactive, including working Commodore C64 computers with vintage games.

First floor at Radićeva 34. Can be closed unexpectedly - call ahead. Everything touchable - play the games! Great for anyone who lived through the era. Small space - avoid peak times.

11. Croatian Natural History Museum

Though affected by earthquake damage, parts of the museum remain open, showcasing impressive collections including Egyptian artifacts with mummies and sarcophagi, and extensive Bronze Age materials.

Check which sections are currently open. Egyptian collection particularly impressive. Good for families. Located in Lower Town. Combine with nearby Botanical Garden visit.

12. Art Pavilion

Southeast Europe's oldest gallery continues hosting temporary exhibitions in its stunning 1898 building. While there's no permanent collection, the pavilion features rotating displays of major Croatian and international artists.

Check current exhibition before visiting. Beautiful park location - great for photos. King Tomislav Square nearby has cafés. Building exterior worth seeing even if exhibition doesn't appeal.

Museum Secrets Every Tourist Should Know

Hidden Gems & Insider Tips

Post-Earthquake Museum Updates for 2025

Many Zagreb museums have adapted to post-earthquake challenges with innovative solutions:

Conclusion

Zagreb's museums in 2025 showcase remarkable resilience and innovation. While some institutions continue restoration work from the 2020 earthquake, the city's cultural scene has adapted with digital offerings, temporary exhibitions, and creative solutions. 

From the emotionally powerful Museum of Broken Relationships to the scientifically engaging Technical Museum, Zagreb offers diverse cultural experiences that reflect both its rich history and contemporary dynamism. 

Visitors should check current opening status before visiting, as restoration schedules may affect accessibility. Despite ongoing challenges, Zagreb's museums remain essential destinations for understanding Croatian culture, history, and artistic achievement.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are all Zagreb museums open after the 2020 earthquake?

Not all museums have fully reopened. While many like the Museum of Contemporary Art and Museum of Broken Relationships operate normally, others such as the Archaeological Museum and Zagreb City Museum have partial openings with ongoing restoration. The Croatian History Museum remains closed for major repairs. Always check current status before visiting.

2. What is the most unique museum to visit in Zagreb?

The Museum of Broken Relationships stands out as Zagreb's most unique attraction, displaying personal objects from failed relationships worldwide. Other distinctive options include the Mushroom Museum with 1,600 species and the Zagreb 80s Museum featuring an interactive Yugoslav-era apartment.

3. Which museums are best for families with children?

The Technical Museum Nikola Tesla offers interactive science demonstrations perfect for kids. The Museum of Illusions provides hands-on optical experiences, while the Museum of Contemporary Art features a slide exit. Many museums offer reduced or free admission for children.

4. How much do Zagreb museums typically cost?

Museum admission ranges from 20-50 HRK (€3-7) for most venues. Some museums offer free entry on certain days, student discounts, and senior rates. The Zagreb Card provides free or discounted access to many museums.

5. What are the typical opening hours for Zagreb
museums?

Most museums open Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00-18:00, with reduced Sunday hours (10:00-14:00) and Monday closures. The Technical Museum has limited weekend hours, closing at 13:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Always verify current hours as post-earthquake schedules may vary.