Hrvatski športski muzej

About the museum

The beginnings of the museum go back to the 1950s, when the first material was collected at the Institute of Physical Culture in Zagreb, above all the legacy of Dr Franjo Bučar, founder of modern sport in Croatia. The Muzej fizičke kulture Hrvatske (Museum of Physical Culture of Croatia) was founded in 1980 as a separate organisational unit of the faculty, and after independence it was renamed the Hrvatski športski muzej (Croatian Sports Museum). It has operated as an independent state institution since 2003. The period up to the opening of the display was marked by frequent moves and the search for suitable premises.

The collections now number almost 500,000 objects. The museum’s concept for the permanent display was approved in 2019, and the renovation and fitting out of the courtyard building at Ilica 13 were completed at the end of 2025, despite the pandemic and earthquakes. The permanent display opened on 27 January 2026 and for the first time gave Croatian sport a lasting, publicly accessible museum space.

The display covers 508 square metres over two floors. In the basement, the section “Utemeljenje” (Foundation) follows the development of sport and physical exercise from the second half of the 19th century to the present, and on the ground floor the section “Uspjesi” (Achievements) presents the greatest results of Croatian sportspeople at the Olympic Games and world championships since independence. About a thousand objects, books and documents and around 500 photographs are on display, along with videos and interactive content. Since April 2025 the Muzejsko-memorijalni centar Dražen Petrović (Dražen Petrović Museum and Memorial Centre) has also been part of the museum.

Highlights

• First permanent display of Croatian sport, opened in 2026
• Sections “Utemeljenje” (Foundation) and “Uspjesi” (Achievements) on two floors
• About a thousand objects, medals, trophies and documents, and 500 photographs
• Modern interactive and multimedia display
• Sensory-interactive backpacks for visitors

Permanent exhibition

• Stalni postav Hrvatskog športskog muzeja – The section “Utemeljenje” (Foundation) in the basement presents the development of sport and physical exercise from the second half of the 19th century, and the section “Uspjesi” (Achievements) on the ground floor presents Croatia’s greatest results at the Olympic Games and world championships.

Founded

1980

Operated by

Hrvatski športski muzej (državna ustanova)

Admission & discounts

Free admission on presentation of an identity card or certificate for persons with disabilities, Croatian Homeland War veterans, children up to 7 years, residents of care institutions and users of special institutions, leaders of organised group visits, and members of the Hrvatski klub olimpijaca (Croatian Olympians Club), HMD and ICOM. Groups of 7 to 25 people who are entitled to free admission, as well as groups of pupils, students and persons over 65, have a free guided tour in Croatian.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum has an adapted toilet. Because of construction work on the courtyard building, wheelchair access is currently not possible. At the ticket desk a sensory-interactive backpack can be borrowed, which is especially useful for neurodivergent children, as well as a communication board.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

The display is interactive and multimedia; there are programmes and workshops for the youngest visitors, and the sensory-interactive backpack helps children during the visit.

Getting there & parking

The entrance is through the courtyard of the building at Ilica 13.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit