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).

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)

Rovinj - Rovigno City Museum

Situated within a baroque palace once belonging to the counts of Califfi from the 17th/18th century, the museum was established in 1954 through the initiative of Rovinj fine artists. Their vision aimed to create a repository for cultural treasures and a venue for diverse exhibition activities.
Initially led by artist Zora Matić, the museum continues to honor the founders' aspirations through its content and operations to this day. Functioning in the public interest, it serves a dual purpose as both a city gallery and a permanent exhibition space for select items from its extensive collection, including archaeological artifacts, maritime exhibits, works by old masters, contemporary Croatian art, and the Alexander Kircher Room.
Over its 50-year history, the museum has (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)

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)

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)

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)

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)