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)
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)
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)
Memo Museum Pula
MEMO Museum, also known as the Museum of Good Memories, is an interactive, multimedia exhibition showcasing the daily life of Pula citizens from the 1950s to the late 1980s. Divided into three sections - street, square, and room - visitors embark on a journey through time, encountering iconic items like the 'fićo' car, 'Tomos' motorbike, pony bicycle, black and white television, gramophone, cassette recorder, old computers, typewriters, sewing machines, telephones, newspapers, magazines, furniture, hair dryer hoods, and hair curlers. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the exhibits by touching objects, opening drawers and closets, trying on clothes, and playing old games, including sitting in the 'fićo' car. The museum, which opened on July 1, 2018, is conveniently located near the (Read More)
Ecomuseum Vlaški Puti - Vlach Paths
The Ecomuseum Vlaški Puti serves as a hub for showcasing the social history and traditional culture of Šušnjevica and its neighboring areas, emphasizing a cultural landscape approach. Comprising an Interpretation Centre and Media Library housed in the former local school, along with walking theme paths through Nature Park Učka, the museum is intricately linked to community life and activities. It operates under an ecomuseology framework, involving the local community in interpreting and managing their cultural heritage.
The mission of the Interpretation Centre and the Ecomuseum is to promote and preserve the social history and traditional culture of Šušnjevica and nearby villages, with a focus on transferring knowledge about the Vlach language and culture (Vlachs).
(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)
Muzej-Museo Lapidarium
The Lapidarium stands as Istria's pioneering purpose-built museum, exemplifying the seamless integration of contemporary architecture within the backdrop of an ancient town. Within its confines, visitors encounter a permanent collection of archaeological treasures, predominantly comprised of pre-Romanesque stone artifacts from Novigrad's former cathedral. These fragments captivate with intricately carved motifs, including intertwining patterns, Christian symbols, and an array of animals and mythical creatures.
Complementing the permanent exhibition are dynamic showcases of contemporary art, presenting challenging themes and events year-round. Summer brings forth prominent exhibitions featuring leading Croatian and international artists, alongside frequent contemporary art (Read More)