Zagreb is a city that rewards curiosity. Beyond its charming squares, café culture, and historic streets, it offers a museum scene unlike any other in Europe — intimate, creative, deeply human, and wonderfully diverse. Whether you love art, history, design, science, or quirky storytelling, Zagreb invites you into spaces that inspire, surprise, and sometimes even make you laugh or cry.
Here is a curated list of Zagreb’s top museums, thoughtfully selected to help you discover the cultural heart of Croatia’s capital.
Museum of Broken Relationships
One of Zagreb’s most famous museums — emotional, quirky, and deeply human.
A collection of real objects donated from around the world, each accompanied by the story of a relationship that ended. A must-visit for travellers looking for something personal and unusual. No museum in Zagreb is more iconic — or more unexpectedly moving — than the Museum of Broken Relationships. What began as a small art project grew into a global collection of objects donated by people from around the world, each accompanied by a story of love lost. Some items are humorous, some painful, some poetic. Together, they form a mosaic of human experience that resonates with visitors of all ages. It’s intimate, emotional, and unlike any museum you’ll ever visit. Perfect for: couples, solo travellers, anyone curious about human stories.
Croatian Museum of Naïve Art
The world’s first museum dedicated to naïve art offers a joyful dive into the imaginative world of self-taught Croatian painters mostly originated from Podravina region and the village called Hlebine. Their colourful landscapes, dreamlike scenes, and expressive brushstrokes created a unique style, with extremly difficult tecnic of painting from the reverse side.
Croatian Naive Art, especially from the Hlebine School, gained significant fame in the U.S. through dedicated galleries. Some of the famous names include but not limited to Josip and Ivan Generalić, Franjo Mraz, Ivan Rabuzin, Mijo Kovačić etc.
FRANJO MRAZ (1910-1981) „POJILO“ – Watering place for cattle, oil on Sekurit glass, app. year 1958 in its original frame, size 50×40 cm)-privately owned
It’s small, charming, and easy to visit — a cultural gem hidden in the Upper Town.
Perfect for: art lovers, creative souls, slow travellers.
Technical Museum Nikola Tesla
A favourite among families and science enthusiasts, this museum celebrates innovation through fun, interactive exhibits. Explore aircraft models, space displays, engines, and even an underground mine replica.
Of course, Nikola Tesla — born in today’s Croatia — has a special place here. The museum is both educational and surprisingly entertaining.
Perfect for: families, STEM lovers, curious minds.
House of Cartoons – Oto Reisinger
House of Cartoons – Oto Reisinger is a small cultural space in Zagreb dedicated to the famous Croatian cartoonist Oto Reisinger, showcasing his witty, socially observant cartoons and preserving his artistic legacy.
Perfect for: art lovers, fans of cartoons and satire, and visitors interested in Croatian culture and humor.
Museum of Illusions
Playful, visual, and irresistibly fun — the Museum of Illusions has become one of Zagreb’s most popular attractions. Expect upside-down rooms, mirror mazes, holograms, and mind-bending illusions that make you question your senses (and take great photos).
Perfect for: families, couples, friends, TikTok/Instagram lovers.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU)
Set in a striking modern building in New Zagreb, MSU showcases the best of Croatian and international contemporary art.
The museum offers rotating exhibitions, installations, video art, and large-scale works. Don’t miss the outdoor spiral slides created by artist Carsten Höller — yes, they are meant to be used!
Perfect for: modern art fans, architecture lovers, design-minded visitors.
Zagreb City Museum
This is where you go to truly understand Zagreb’s story — from medieval settlements to modern-day life.
Beautifully curated, the exhibitions include everything from old maps and photographs to period furniture and historical objects. It’s a calm, elegant museum ideal for deepening your connection to the city.
Perfect for: history lovers, culture enthusiasts, first-time visitors.
Ethnographic Museum
A colourful journey into Croatia’s heritage.
Traditional costumes, folk instruments, handcrafted textiles, and cultural rituals come beautifully together in this vibrant museum. It’s one of the best ways to understand the country’s traditions and regional differences.
Perfect for: culture lovers, design travellers, anyone interested in traditions.
Mimara Museum
Home to an impressive art collection ranging from European masters to Asian artifacts, this museum offers quiet, classical beauty.
It’s ideal for travellers who enjoy taking their time and exploring art without crowds. Currently closed under reconstruction.
Perfect for: classic art lovers, peaceful museum-goers.
Zagreb 80’s Museum
One of the city’s most nostalgic experiences — a fully recreated Yugoslav apartment from the 1980s, filled with original furniture, toys, electronics, décor, and music.
Everything is interactive. You’re encouraged to open drawers, touch objects, play records, and truly experience the era.
Perfect for: nostalgia seekers, families, anyone curious about life in socialist-era Croatia.
Museum of Arts and Crafts (MUO)
Still partially undergoing restoration after the earthquake, the Museum of Arts and Crafts is historically one of Zagreb’s cultural pillars.
When fully open, it features furniture, fashion, glassware, photography, and applied arts from the last several centuries. It’s a treasure chest of Croatian creativity and craftsmanship. Currently closed under reconstruction.
Perfect for: design lovers, fashion enthusiasts, travellers with an eye for detail.
Atelier Ivan Meštrović
Last but not least, The Meštrović Atelier is an art museum with a permanent collection of works by Ivan Meštrović.
It forms part of the house and studio complex that Meštrović bought and gradually adapted in the early 1920s, after returning to Croatia at the height of his international career.
Having studied in Vienna and lived in cities such as Paris, Rome, Cannes, and London, Meštrović chose Zagreb as his home, settling here with his first wife, Ruža Meštrović (née Klein). The Atelier reflects both his artistic vision and his private world — a place where life and creativity naturally came together. It is a MUST SEE, after being closed for recosntruction for 1000 days, it has re-opened to public only in November 2025.
Perfect for: classic art lovers, architecture lovers
