Muzej moderne i suvremene umjetnosti

About the museum

The Muzej moderne i suvremene umjetnosti was founded in 1948 as the Galerija likovne umjetnosti (Gallery of Fine Arts) and opened to the public on 2 May 1949 on the second floor of the Governor’s Palace in Rijeka. In 1956 it moved to the University Library in Dolac Street, where it remained until 2017. Over the decades it operated as the Moderna galerija (Modern Gallery) and Moderna galerija Rijeka; it has carried its present name since 2003.

The museum has been one of the leading art institutions in Croatia. It organised the Riječki salon (Rijeka Salons), the Bijenale mladih umjetnika Jugoslavije (Biennial of Young Artists of Yugoslavia, 1960–1991) and the Međunarodne izložbe crteža (International Drawing Exhibitions, 1968–2013). It was also entrusted with the Croatian representation at the Venice Biennale and at the São Paulo Biennial. The collections comprise sculpture, painting, drawing, graphic art, new media art, film and video, photography and posters.

Since September 2017 the museum has been based in Building H in the former industrial complex of the Tvornica Rikard Benčić (Rikard Benčić factory), redesigned to plans by the architect Dinko Peračić. The complex has roots in the 18th century, when a sugar refinery operated there, followed by a tobacco factory and a shipyard facility. The space develops under the principle “to trebamo – to radimo” (“we need it – we do it”), and for exhibitions the museum also uses the Mali salon on the Korzo.

Highlights

• Collections of painting, sculpture, graphic art, photography and new media
• Building of the former Rikard Benčić factory
• Tradition of the Biennial of Young Artists and the International Drawing Exhibitions
• Exhibitions from the holdings, with educational programmes
• Mali salon on the Rijeka Korzo

Founded

1948

Admission & discounts

Free admission is also granted to the unemployed, pupils of the Škola primijenjenih umjetnosti (School of Applied Arts) in Rijeka, members of professional associations (HDLU, ULUPUH, AICA, ICOM) with a membership card, and media representatives. Tickets cannot be booked in advance; they are bought at the museum desk.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 states that its visitor areas are not adapted for access by persons with disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum educator has been preparing educational programmes, guided tours and art workshops for children and young people since 1982, for example the workshop “MMSU LAB”.

Getting there & parking

The museum building is located in the former industrial complex of the Rikard Benčić factory in Rijeka.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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