Galerija Meštrović

About the museum

During the second decade of the 20th century Ivan Meštrović bought plots in Meje, the western part of Split, in order to build his residence there. Construction began at the end of the 1920s, and the villa was built in collaboration with the architects Lavoslav Horvat and Harold Bilinić and the builder Marin Marasović. The east wing with the studio and the work room began to be built in 1931, and the west wing and the central hall of the upper floor were completed in 1938 and 1939. Meštrović’s concept was based on three functions: work, living and exhibiting.

From the summer of 1932 the villa was a favourite retreat for the artist and his family, but it never became his permanent residence. Because of the Italian occupation, Meštrović left for Zagreb in 1941, and the family left the Split home a year later. By a deed of gift dated 31 January 1952, Meštrović gave four of his properties and 132 works of art to the Croatian people, creating the conditions for the founding of the Galerija Meštrović (Meštrović Gallery) as a museum institution.

The Gallery holds masterpieces in marble (Psiha, Kontemplacija), bronze (Daleki akordi, Kiklop, Perzefona, Job), wood (Žalosni and Veseli anđeli) and plaster (Rimska Pietà), covering all periods of the artist’s work up to 1946. Alongside the sculptures, drawings, paintings, designs and furniture, the documentation of Meštrović’s life and the family archive are preserved. The ticket is also valid for the nearby Meštrović’s Crikvine – Kaštilac.

Highlights

• Marble Psiha (1927) and Kontemplacija (1924)
• Bronze Kiklop (1933), Job and Daleki akordi
• Roman Pietà in plaster and wooden sculptures of Adam and Eve
• Preserved dining room with furniture from the artist’s home
• Garden with Mediterranean plants and sculptures
• Joint ticket with Meštrović’s Crikvine – Kaštilac

Permanent exhibition

• Stalni postav Galerije Meštrović – The display follows the spatial and thematic division of the villa: on the ground floor are the marble and sacred sculptures, and on the upper floor works influenced by Impressionism, Secession and Art Deco, the Job hall and drawings.

Founded

1952

Operated by

Muzeji Ivana Meštrovića

Director

Sandra Grčić Budimir

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid for the Galerija Meštrović and Meštrović’s Crikvine – Kaštilac. Ticket and guided tour prices are 50% higher for visits outside opening hours and 100% higher during holidays. Free admission is also granted to members of professional associations (HDLU, ICOM, HMD, DPUH, AICA), journalists, unemployed persons and tourist guides accompanying a group.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Visitors with mobility difficulties have access to the sculpture garden, a clay modelling studio, a toilet in the garden and the museum shop; assistance at the entrance must be requested in advance. Guide dogs are permitted. Gloves must be requested in advance to touch certain sculptures.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum runs children’s workshops (€4), and the family ticket is valid for children under 15.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop and online shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit