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.