Archives for “museum” tag

The Museum of Arts and Crafts is definitely my favorite museum in Zagreb (the fresh Museum of contemporary art still has to prove its worth over a longer period of time) because it’s the least static museum in Zagreb. Naturally, this is easier to be when you’re a museum of Arts and Crafts, still I’m amazed by everything that goes on in this building.

Since its founding in 1880 (making it one of the oldest of its kind in Europe) it has focused on reflecting life and the world around us in a realistic and relevant way, originally envisaged to preserve the traditions of old crafts and create a new aesthetics for the people it serves.

Nowadays, after 130 years of tradition, the Museum still holds its relevant position in the artistic and everyday life of Zagreb. With its constant exhibitions which range from musical instruments over architecture, design, photography to ceramic, painting, textiles and many more, but more importantly with ongoing events and exhibitions that reflect the current state of arts, crafts and events in Croatia.

Therefore it is no surprise for the favorite “MUO” to hold an exhibition dedicated to the cult Zagreb radio station “Radio 101″ to celebrate its 25th anniversary or have lectures with professionals on how to write project that receive grants from the EU. No matter what time of year you visit Zagreb, there will definitely be something worth seeing in MUO.

The Museum of Street Art, like any other street art exhibition space, doesn’t have a permanent space or opening times for its exhibitions. Therefore, its current whereabouts could easily transform when you decide to visit Zagreb. Moreover, it represents the continuous dialogue between the artists, citizens and city’s authorities.

In 2010, the Museum of Street Art initiative was taken under the supervision of internationally renowned Croatian artists and concluded one of its efforts by repainting the old graffiti-covered Branimirova street wall.

The idea of this project is to revitalize city’s everyday appearance and remodel the traditional sightseeing paths which usually end in front of the Museum of Modern Art. The whole project itself consists of continuous sporadic sub-projects. The first one, like I mentioned, was to repaint the Branimirova wall, which was successfully done. Lately, two similar projects took place at Novi Zagreb, thanks to which the neglected Siget and Dugave area, along with its walls and facades, transformed into the new must-see street art hotspot. 

As far as I can tell, all the projects have been received with praise – the locals are overjoyed with the changes in their everyday surroundings and eagerly await new street art actions, as well as seeing how Zagreb transforms into more lively space of imaginative intersocial dialogue.

MSU – Muzej suvremene umjetnosti is a newly built museum, after years of putting effort into securing an adequate space for vast art collections dating from the beginning of the 20th century.

The architect of the Museum, Igor Franić, respected the tradition of functionalist architecture and designed a building which continues the orientation of the Green Horseshoe – series of interconnected parks situated in the city center designed by famous architect Milan Lenuci.

Except, MSU is situated in the area called Novi Zagreb, right across the river Sava. A five-story museum looks like a meander and its presence is best seen at night when it is lit up with fantastic light shows.

On the ground floor you can find museum shop, children’s workshop, library with a reading hall, a minor exhibition space, restaurant, and a multimedia hall, where arthouse cinema Metropolis takes place. The exhibition rooms are located on the upper floors of the Museum.

My typical Museum day consists of a coffee and croissant breakfast at the Museum café, after which I take a walk through the Museum’s collections. Interesting to explore is also the studio of the famous artist Ivan Kožarić, integrated between the permanent collection and occasional exhibitions.

There is always something exciting to be found related to Croatian and ex-Yugoslavian rich cultural heritage – every time I visit the Museum I am surprised by noticing something I missed last time, which makes me eager to visit MSU more often.

Tip: every first Wednesday of the month there is free entrance.