Zagreb’s premier modern art institution, the Modern Gallery features more than two centuries of Croatian modernist art. With thousands of works, the gallery possesses one of Croatia’s most important collections of modern art. View more than 750 pieces on display in its permanent exhibit, ranging from drawings, paintings and sculpture to new media works.
Trace the museum’s origins back to the early 1900s, when the Art Society established the initiative and began amassing works for the collection. Though the first artworks were bought in 1905, the collection wasn’t open to the public until 1914. At the time, it could fit in a single room in what is now the Museum of Arts and Crafts building. It is now being housed in the late 19th-century Vranyczany Palace, where it has been since 1934. Visit today to appreciate the impact and interaction of art and social change in Croatia.
Spend several hours getting acquainted with Croatian modern art. The permanent exhibit titled Croatian Modern Art 19th to 21st Centuryextends across two floors of the gallery. Look for works by Ivan Meštrović, a renowned Croatian sculptor who had solo exhibitions at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum in 1915 and New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1947. Other prominent artists whose works are displayed here include Frano Kršinić, Miroslav Kraljević and Josip Račić. Don’t miss outstanding works including Vlaho Bukovac’s Krist na odru (Christ on the funeral bier) and Stephan-Lupino’s Resting.
Though small, this museum is rarely busy, which allows plenty of time and space to leisurely look around and absorb the works. After viewing the permanent exhibit, see what temporary show is taking place. In the past, the museum has occasionally hosted retrospectives of both native and foreign artists.
The Modern Gallery is a great option for a rainy afternoon activity. If you visit on a nice summer day, consider bringing along a picnic to enjoy in neighboring Zrinjevac park. The gallery is located beside the Zrinjevac tram station and has a small admission fee. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, with shorter weekend hours.
