Delve through the depths of time in a museum based in the spacious halls of a convent from the 17th century.
The Zagreb City Museum tells the long story of this region, from prehistory to present day, in the magnificent 17th-century surroundings of the former Convent of the Poor Clares. Venture through exhibits relating to local culture, economics, politics and the arts to get a thorough understanding of the community of Zagreb.
Take photos of the simple white building with red tiles that houses the museum. Wander through the themed sections, such as the Iron Age hall, full of recently excavated treasures. Marvel at the incredible floor map of 19th-century Zagreb’s Lower Town that spreads out across an entire room. Its model buildings are constructed to scale.
Walk around inside replicas of 19th-century shops and studios of Croatian artists in the trendy Ilica Street. Relive former political movements in rooms where propaganda and religious items are displayed.
Browse the Roman era to see how far this empire stretched. Several sections are devoted to the history of the museum’s building, which was once a nunnery for poor women. Learn about the reconstruction of the Zagreb Cathedral.
The museum was founded in 1907 with a small collection and now holds about 75,000 items. Take a look at the wind-up music players and old watches. Information in English adds context to the items. You can also ask a docent questions.
Although closed on Mondays, the museum otherwise opens daily from morning until evening with an early closing time on Sunday. There is an entry fee with discounts available.
The Zagreb City Museum lies at the northern tip of the historic Upper Town district in the heart of the city. Walk for a few minutes from other main landmarks, such as the Museum of Broken Relationships, the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art and St. Mark’s Church. There are many bus stops and taxis in the area.
