Nina from Zagreb
Muzička Akademija Zagreb
Home of music
Music and music education have been a part of Zagreb for a long time. Music has been taught here since 1829, and in 1979, Music Academy (Muzička akademija) became a part of the University of Zagreb. Through all this time, there were many concert halls, music rooms and open-air acoustic spots, but the Music Academy did not have a proper building, a place to call their own.
All this changed in 2015, when the new building of the Music Academy was completed and opened. It is a modern structure by the architect Milan Šosterić, and some Zagrebers found it to be a bit of a sore eye among the older, traditional buildings that surround it at Republic of Croatia Square.
I disagree, and I think it blended very nicely with its surroundings, a firm statement that Zagreb is keeping pace in architecture, in education, in art. The sculpture in front of it, a sphere and a needle, were reportedly a symbolic version of musical notes. This is an urban legend that I have heard, but the explanation given by the architect is somewhat different: it is a symbol of male and female force in balance. Whichever version you prefer, the sculpture, especially the needle, really catches the eye. The big concert hall, with 300 seats, is a great spot for music lovers in Zagreb. Concerts for the public are held regularly.
I recommend seeing it in broad daylight, when the windows and the roof reflect the sunlight beautifully.
About this spot
Our Zagreb City Guide
Find your way with 135 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Join as a Spotter?
Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Zagreb
Ribice Kod Mimice
Simple fish foods
"Ribice kod Mimice" in Zagreb is a local favorite seafood restaurant that's existed since 1945! People love it because everything still tastes the same...
by
Nevena
Mikec
ZKM Theater
Zagreb's youth theater that grew up
"ZKM Theater", or Zagreb's Youth Theater, is one of my favorite theaters because of its contemporary approach, critical attitude and daring performances...
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Express Bar
Excellent coffee and people watching
"Express Bar" feels like a visit to your best girlfriend in Zagreb, who also happens to have an exquisite taste in home decor and really makes an effort...
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Velvet Pepper Studio
Yoga & swing
"Velvet Pepper Studio" Zagreb is a light-filled yoga studio that specialises in yoga swings, where you have to stay concentrated! Classes also in English.
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
La štruk
Creative twists to a traditional meal
"La štruk" in Zagreb makes štrukli, the Croatian comfort food par excellence, with creative twists: gratinated, additional toppings... Nothing comes close!
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Krivi Put
For reevaluating your life choices
"Krivi put" in Zagreb means 'wrong path', and it's a bar that you might end up in if you've taken plenty of wrong turns in your life...
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Botaničar
Art, parties and plants
"Botaničar" in Zagreb is a hip bar that's also a gallery and social club. Let me tell you: spending time here makes you want to invest in houseplants.
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Hotel Vila Tina
Brunch and relaxation
"Hotel Vila Tina" is a small hotel in Zagreb, one of the city's hidden jewels. I love coming here for their rich breakfast with family and friends...
by
Nina
Lalić
Swanky Monkey Garden
Hostel bar that locals adore
"Swanky Monkey Garden" in Zagreb is a local-friendly hostel with a great bar and garden I always enjoy sipping a cocktail at on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Bacchus Jazz Bar
The greenest courtyard
"Bacchus Jazz Bar" in Zagreb is one of my favorite places in the city for a warm, lazy summer evening. The courtyard is completely covered with plants...
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Regular.Bar
Regularly pleasant
"Regular.Bar" in Zagreb is special. It has this homey feeling the city's backyards share. They even serve free cucumber water. Need I say more?
by
Tamara
Lipnjak
Heading to Zagreb?
135 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 135 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Zagreb
Get to know our other Spotters from Zagreb
As featured on:
