Museums and Art Galleries in Istria (23)

Published May 16, 2024

Istria is a region of captivating natural beauty. Its streams wind through myth-laden valleys, and its hills are dotted with ancient towns that seem frozen in time. The landscape offers a striking mix of elements: snow-capped peaks, lush fields, vineyards clinging to hillsides, all meeting the vastness of the sea.

In the enchanting peninsula of Istria, museums and art galleries are scattered sparingly, yet they offer a wealth of experiences to captivate the curious and cultured traveler for days on end. We proudly present a comprehensive interactive map featuring all the museums and art galleries in Istria.

Our map provides users with various avenues to locate these cultural gems. You can search by different parameters such as dates (to explore events from specific years at a particular museum or art gallery), people and entities (to discover individuals and organizations connected to these venues), keywords, questions, and, of course, location.

We are committed to providing the most accurate and up-to-date information possible. We welcome suggestions for new venues or changes to existing museums and art galleries. Please don't hesitate to contact us via the form on this page.

Take a glimpse into our archive with a selection of random elements (refresh the page to discover different museums and art galleries).

Gallery Hermana

Galeria Hermana is a multifaceted establishment featuring an art gallery, museum, atelier, and studio. Within its walls, visitors encounter a rich array of music, visual arts, paintings, and sculptures curated by artist Vedran Silipetar and others. The ambiance is infused with a cozy, domestic feel inspired by Mediterranean, Andalusian, and Moorish influences. This cultural space serves as a platform for diverse events such as art exhibitions, concerts, poetry readings, and dance performances, fostering a vibrant atmosphere for art appreciation and cultural exchange. (Read More)

Archaeological Museum of Istria

The Archaeological Museum of Istria traces its origins back to the early 19th century when stone monuments were collected at the Temple of Augustus in Pula. This initial collection laid the foundation for the establishment of the Museo d'antichità and the Municipal Museum of Pula in 1902. Over time, the museum evolved, merging with other collections and organizations to become the Royal Museum of Istria in 1925. Situated in a former Austrian secondary school, the museum opened its doors to the public in 1930, showcasing a diverse array of archaeological artifacts.
Following World War II, the institution underwent changes, including its renaming as the Archaeological Museum of Istria in 1947. In 1961, part of its collection was restituted from Italy, leading to systematic efforts to (Read More)

Museum of Contemporary Art of Istria

The museum gathers artworks spanning from the latter half of the previous century to the latest creations by contemporary artists. MCAI serves as a vibrant hub for multicultural exchange and, most importantly, aims to stand as a premier cultural and artistic institution for Istrian artists. (Read More)

Museum – Gallery Sacred Hearts - Sveta Srca

Located atop Kaštel, overlooking the city, stands the recently renovated Museum and Gallery Center Sveta Srca (Sacred Hearts). Housed within the former Church of the Sacred Hearts, built by nuns in 1908, this center spans 480 square meters and serves as an excellent venue for lectures and concerts. Following its closure after World War II, the church was repurposed for the Archaeological Museum of Istria, with renovation efforts commencing in 1994. After 17 years of restoration (2011), Pula now boasts a remarkable museum and gallery center at this historic site. (Read More)

Museum of Contemporary Art of Istria

The Museum of Contemporary Art of Istria gathers artworks dating from the latter half of the previous century to recent creations by contemporary artists. Serving as an inclusive crossroads of multicultural exchange, its primary goal is to emerge as the leading cultural and artistic institution representing Istrian artists. Rather than adhering to regional confines, the MSUI/MACI functions as an open forum for multicultural interaction, evident through its permanent display showcasing artists from various regions and its procurement of their artworks. Its main focus remains as the overarching cultural and artistic haven for Istrian artists, with its collections primarily composed of their works alongside pieces by artists who intermittently engage with or exhibit within the Istrian (Read More)

Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria

The Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria (PPMI) is a specialized institution preserving and showcasing the cultural and historical heritage of the Istrian Region. Housed in a Venetian fortress, it collects, conserves, and researches objects spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day. With over 100,000 items organized into 18 collections, the museum offers permanent and occasional exhibitions, along with publications to share knowledge about its holdings. Additionally, it manages underground tunnels and a visitor center, and oversees the House of Frescoes in Draguć. The museum is committed to education, offering programs for various age groups and collaborating with educational institutions. While its library is accessible only to museum staff, the museum hosts cultural events, (Read More)

Ethnographic Museum of Istria

The museum hosts 8000 ethnographic artifacts, including textiles, agricultural tools, and everyday items from Istrian villages from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The collection features pottery, carpentry, blacksmithing tools, and traditional handicrafts. The ground floor houses a carpenters' and blacksmiths' workshop, while the second floor holds permanent and periodic exhibitions showcasing Croatian traditional attire and traditional cuisine setups. Future plans involve collecting ethnographic artifacts and exploring modern cultural phenomena. The museum specializes in preserving textile artifacts, particularly Istrian traditional costumes, with a focus on the wedge pattern. Traditional attire includes white cloth and brown cloth trousers, various socks, and footwear like (Read More)

Batana Eco-museum

The Batana Eco-museum stands out as a unique institution along the Adriatic and Mediterranean coastlines. Dedicated to preserving the heritage of the traditional wooden boat, the batana, and celebrating the community that cherishes it as a symbol, the museum offers insight into Rovinj's rich maritime legacy. Reflecting the daily lives of its inhabitants, the batana serves as a cherished link among residents of diverse ethnic backgrounds, from its origins in an Italian-speaking community to its prominence in today's predominantly Croatian population. Through captivating narratives and displays, visitors can delve into the history and significance of the batana, gaining an understanding of its cultural and social importance in the maritime hub of Istria. (Read More)