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.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Zagreb guide.
"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
"La štruk" in Zagreb makes štrukli, the Croatian comfort food par excellence, with creative twists: gratinated, additional toppings... Nothing comes close!
By
"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
"Vintage Industrial" is a bar/club in Zagreb I remember from my student years. Nowadays I go there for the really great tribute bands that play on weekends
By
"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
"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
"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
"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
"Park Maksimir" in Zagreb is more than a park. This is where memories are created, where you see the forest for the first time. So many reasons to love it.
By
"Trg Svetog Marka", or St. Mark's square, is the heart and soul of Zagreb's Upper Town. Beautiful, quiet and replete with rich history...
By
"Opatovina" in Zagreb has old, hipsterish craft beer pubs. It's the city's unofficial beers street! There's even a quite popular beer festival in May.
By
134 Insider Tips from Locals
Authentic Stories
Escape the Crowds
Full Access to our Art & culture Blog & App!
✓ 134 Hidden Gems only Locals know
✓ Full Access to the Art & culture City Blog & App!