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).

Truffle Museum

The museum is dedicated to celebrating the world of truffles and the culture of truffle hunting, particularly in the Istria region of Croatia. It offers an immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to explore the history, significance, and allure of truffles through various sensory experiences. Exhibits include a collection of historical artifacts, stories, and information about truffle hunting traditions. Visitors can engage with the museum through visual displays, audio presentations, and even olfactory experiences, giving them a comprehensive understanding of the underground treasure that is the truffle. (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)

ZEROSTRASSE - Underground Shelter Tunnels of Pula

Before the outbreak of the Great War, Pula held significant military importance as the main naval port of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, fortified with extensive constructions including forts, batteries, and machine gun positions. The authorities constructed an extensive underground tunnel system prior to and during the war to shelter the population and store ammunition. These tunnels, including those beneath the hills Kaštel and Monte Ghiro, served various purposes such as barracks, storage, and prisons. The Venetian fort atop Kaštel housed underground rooms for soldiers and storage. The tunnels, with their wide passageways, could accommodate thousands of people and were designed for constant airflow and stable temperatures. After the war, the Italian rulers expanded and repurposed the (Read More)

Tractor Story

The Tractor Story exhibition stands as Croatia's inaugural permanent showcase of vintage tractors, inaugurated in 2010. Housing a collection of 50 antique tractors, alongside threshing machines and various other agricultural implements, it also features a curated selection of period photographs and documents.
A highlight of this exhibition is the presence of an ancient Fordson model dating back to 1923, hailed as the first tractor to grace the fields of the nearby village of Nova Vas. Additionally, a relic of an engine with a heated head, once pivotal in powering a mill in Poreč during the early 20th century, adds a fascinating dimension to the display.
Spanning from antiquity to modernity, this region has long been synonymous with agriculture. However, the rapid technological (Read More)

Museum of Umag

The Museum of Umag, situated at the tip of the old-town peninsula in the medieval Bishop’s Tower, offers a journey into the city’s rich past. Dating back to the 14th century, the tower served as a fortress against sea invasions, making it Umag’s oldest standing structure. Originally starting with a small collection, the museum expanded significantly in 1976 with the acquisition of the Cigui-Fachin archaeological collection. Led by archaeologist Narcisa Bolšec Ferri, the museum embraced a new motto, 'Lux in tenebris' (light in darkness), fueling extensive research, exhibitions, and the formation of an independent institution. Today, the Museum of Umag conducts diverse research, hosts art exhibits, lectures, and workshops, and showcases historical and archaeological treasures. The first (Read More)

Gallery of the HDLU of Istria

The Croatian Society of Fine Artists of Istria serves as a crucial professional collective of fine artists, originating on October 16, 1987, initially named the Society of Fine Artists of Pula. Shortly after its inception, it evolved into the principal art association of Istria, subsequently adopting the name HDLU Istria. (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)

House of Istrian Olive Oil

Spanning 560 m2, the House of Istrian Olive Oil comprises a museum that delves into the rich culture and history of olive cultivation in Istria, tracing its roots from the Roman era to the contemporary period. You'll experience an immersive olive oil tasting session, transforming into an authentic olive oil 'sommelier.' Additionally, explore our shop featuring the finest extra virgin olive oils and other locally sourced products from Istria's top brands.
The museum's inception can be traced back to the roots of an olive grove planted by Lorena Boljuncic's father. Over time, this grove became the backdrop for cherished family traditions centered around harvesting olives—an affair that encapsulated joyous family gatherings during Lorena's tenure studying art history at university. (Read More)