Muzej za umjetnost i obrt
One of the first museums of applied art in Europe, founded in 1880 in a palace on Trg Republike Hrvatske; currently closed for renovation of the building.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Muzej za umjetnost i obrt (Museum of Arts and Crafts) was founded in 1880 on the initiative of the Society of Art and its president Izidor Kršnjavi, as one of the first institutions of its kind in Europe. It was conceived as a collection of models for craftsmen and artists, but Kršnjavi envisaged it more broadly, as an institution of art and crafts. The first objects for the future museum were acquired in 1875, through a donation by Bishop Strossmayer, at an auction of the collection of the painter Mariano Fortuny in Paris. In 1882 the Obrtna škola (School of Crafts), today the School of Applied Arts and Design, was founded alongside the museum.
The building, the first in Croatia purpose-built for a museum, was designed by the architect Herman Bollé. The representative historicist palace was completed in 1888, and its façade in the spirit of the German Renaissance forms part of one of Zagreb’s most beautiful squares. The complete permanent display in its own building opened in 1909. In 1919 the Moderna galerija (Modern Gallery) opened in the museum, and later the Ethnographic Museum and the Technical Museum emerged from its holdings.
Today the collection comprises around one hundred thousand objects from the 14th to the 21st century: furniture, glass, metal, ceramics, sculpture, painting, graphic art, clocks, design, architecture, photography, textiles and fashion, musical instruments, bookbinding and other collections. The permanent display, opened in 1995, presented almost 3,000 objects from the Gothic to Art Deco across around 2,000 square metres in 14 halls. The building has been closed for renovation, which was prompted by earthquakes.
Highlights
- Permanent display from the Gothic to Art Deco (currently closed)
- Around one hundred thousand objects in the collections of applied art and design
- Historicist palace by Herman Bollé from 1888
- One of the oldest photography collections in the world
- MUO Galerija (MUO Gallery) at Ilica 163a, with free admission
Permanent exhibition
- Stalni postav Muzeja za umjetnost i obrt – The display from 1995 presents almost 3,000 objects in 14 halls, from the Gothic to Art Deco; it is currently closed because the building is being renovated.
- Founded
- 1880
- Operated by
- Muzej za umjetnost i obrt (javna ustanova)
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- 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 accessibility information refers to the MUO Galerija at Ilica 163a: step-free, entrance directly from the pavement, guide dogs permitted.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Mandaličina
MUO Galerija: Mandaličina tram stop (ZET lines 2, 6 and 11); buses at the Črnomerec turning loop and at the Reljkovićeva ulica stop.
By car
Paid parking
Public car park (zone 2) in Vodovodna and Mandaličina streets, including spaces for persons with disabilities next to the MUO Galerija.
Amenities & dining
At the MUO Galerija, museum publications and posters can be bought (cash and card payment); a free gender-neutral accessible toilet is available.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Educational and inclusive programmes (guided tours, workshops) also take place during the closure; information at edukacija@muo.hr. |
