Lauba is one of the first spots I usually mention when someone asks what to visit in Zagreb. I simply love the building’s appearance, both the black colour of the outside walls – a rather surprising contrast to the rest of the houses in the pretty run-down street it finds itself – as well as the high ceilings of the large gallery hall and its brick wall interior.

A curiosity I found out about Lauba is that the building was originally used as a dressage arena in Austro-Hungarian times. Nowadays it is an art-gallery that works as a non-profit and focuses on contemporary Croatian art in all its manifestations – besides a constantly changing permanent exhibition, you’ll find concerts, round-table discussions with artists, educational workshops and of course – parties. But not the type of parties you’d expect in an art gallery, with wine and canapes. No. Think contemporary. 

Lauba is always ready to surprise you pleasantly with their events and activities. Once, I went there for a truly experimental flamenco concert. And then, last summer, believe it or not, we watched the Croatian team’s matches at the football world championship in Lauba’s yard. (That’s what a serious matter that was. And that’s how open Lauba is towards the needs of the people.)