Housed in a grand 19th-century purpose-built structure, the Museum of Arts and Crafts intrigues visitors with its extensive collection of applied art. With a vast array of furniture, musical instruments, photographic equipment and toys and other objects, the museum offers a window into crafts of the past. Admire paintings and sculptures, fine glass and artisan textiles, clocks and other hand-crafted treasures from Croatia and neighboring countries.
This museum was established in 1880, with the intention of preserving and reinvigorating artisan and craft objects in a time of mass production and industrialization. Before entering, notice the German Renaissance-style edifice, which is one of only a few purpose-built museums in the city. Constructed between 1882 and 1892, it was designed by Hermann Bollé, the architect behind several other notable monuments including the Zagreb Cathedral and the Mirogoj Cemetery.
From a collection of more than 100,000 objects dating from the 4th century to the present day, about 3,000 or so are on display. Use the guides in the foyer to help plan your route through the large museum.
Begin with the Gothic gallery, where you’ll find intricate tapestries, carved wood and gilt sculptures and a 14th-century bell. From here, the permanent exhibits move in chronological order, with rooms devoted to styles including Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, neoclassicism and Empire, as well as art nouveau and art deco styles. Don’t miss the exhibits devoted to 20th-century graphic and product designs. Here, you’ll find various chairs, glasses and ceramics spanning from the 1920s through to the 1990s.
Save time for the museum’s library, where about 65,000 important texts relating to arts and crafts are stored. Among the specialized texts is a collection of valuable old and rare books. Visitors can access library materials in the reading room, which is open daily.
Access the Museum of Arts and Crafts via Marshal Tito Square in Zagreb’s Donji Grad (Lower Town). The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, with limited hours on Sundays. There is an entrance fee, which is discounted for students and children.
