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).

POOLA Gallery

The ROBOT arts organization, comprising artists Bojan Šumonja and Dean Skira, established the POOLA Gallery in the summer of 2013, situated in Pula's historic core. Embracing an innovative 'Artist-run gallery' approach, POOLA aims to offer a contemporary and interactive gallery experience, distinct from traditional public and private institutions. Through its programs, POOLA Gallery seeks to showcase high-quality art, support Croatian artists—particularly emerging talents—forge national and international connections, and enrich Pula's cultural landscape on a global scale. (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)

Art Studio Gallery

The Art Studio Gallery showcases the diverse artistic talents of its members, primarily focusing on ceramics. Alongside these works, the gallery features pieces from collaborative projects with institutions such as the Alfredo Štiglić Home for the Elderly and Infirm in Pula, and individuals with intellectual disabilities from the Center for Inclusion and Support in the Community. These collaborative pieces are crafted during ceramic workshops conducted by the Association. (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)

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)

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)

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)

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)