Croatia, with its picturesque Adriatic coastline and rich historical heritage, transforms into a vibrant cultural hub during the summer months. From contemporary art to traditional crafts, exhibitions across the country offer locals and tourists a chance to immerse themselves in a diverse array of artistic expressions. Here’s a guide to some of the must-see exhibitions throughout Croatia this July and August, including highlights of local artists and small galleries.
Dubrovnik Summer Festival Exhibitions (July 10 – August 25)
The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is a cornerstone of Croatia’s cultural calendar, combining theatre, music, and visual arts. This year’s festival includes a series of art exhibitions held in the historic city. Highlights include:
Contemporary Art Showcase: Featuring works by Croatian and international artists, this exhibition explores themes of identity and place.
Historical Dubrovnik: An exhibition of photographs and artifacts that offer a glimpse into Dubrovnik’s storied past.
Local Talent: the War Photo Limited Gallery showcases powerful photojournalism by local photographers documenting war and conflict.
Makarska Summer Exhibitions
Makarska, nestled between the Adriatic Sea and Biokovo Mountain, offers a scenic backdrop for its vibrant cultural scene. Key exhibitions include:
Malacological Museum: Showcasing one of the world’s largest collections of seashells, this museum also features marine-themed artworks by local artists.
City Gallery Antun Gojak: Hosting exhibitions of contemporary Croatian artists.
Meneghello Gallery, Palmižana (Hvar)
The Dagmar Meneghello Gallery on Palmižana, a small island across Hvar is a renowned cultural spot with over 1.800 art pieces. Highlights include:
Contemporary Art: Showcasing a variety of contemporary Croatian artists, the gallery emphasizes modern techniques and innovative expressions.
Local Artists: Featuring works by Hvar-based artists.
Historical Exhibits: In addition to contemporary works, the gallery often includes historical pieces that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Hvar.
Split Gallery Exhibitions
Split, known for its ancient Roman architecture, also boasts a lively contemporary art scene. Key exhibitions this summer include:
Split City Museum: Presenting “Roman Heritage of Split,” this exhibition delves into the city’s ancient history with artifacts from the Roman era.
Gallery of Fine Arts: Hosting a retrospective of Croatian painter Edo Murtić, known for his vibrant abstract works.
Studio Naranca: A small, local gallery and shop featuring the work of Split-based artists.
Šibenik Cultural Summer
Šibenik, known for its beautiful coastal scenery and medieval architecture, is also a cultural hotspot in the summer:
Fortress of Culture: The Public Institution Fortress of Culture Šibenik is responsible for the management of three meticulously restored Šibenik fortresses: St. Michael’s, Barone, and St. John’s Fortress. Since May 2021, the Fortress of Culture also manages the House of Arts Arsen, a new city venue for music, stage events, cinema screenings, plays, and exhibitions. You can find their rich summer program on their website.
Šibenik City Museum: Hosting “Medieval Šibenik,” an exhibition showcasing artifacts from the city’s rich past.
Zadar Art Season
Zadar, with its stunning sunsets and historical landmarks, also offers a vibrant art scene. Key exhibitions include:
Museum of Ancient Glass: Featuring contemporary glass artists who incorporate ancient techniques into their works.
City Gallery Zadar: Hosting exhibitions by local artists.
Rijeka Modern Art
Rijeka, the European Capital of Culture in 2020, continues hosting prominent cultural events.
Kortil Gallery: Summer exhibition “Otherness”, presenting over thirty works of art from the National Museum of Modern Art (NMMU) curated by Marta Radman. Through the selection of works by Croatian leading artists, the exhibition delves into the concept of “otherness”, offering fresh perspectives and potential interpretations of artworks created from the latter half of the 19th century onward.
Poreč Art Exhibitions
Poreč, a picturesque town on the Istrian Peninsula, offers a range of cultural events and exhibitions in the summer. Key venues include:
The Euphrasian Basilica: This UNESCO World Heritage site not only offers stunning Byzantine mosaics but also hosts art exhibitions that blend history with contemporary art.
Galerija Zuccato: A local gallery featuring contemporary art exhibitions, with a focus on Istrian artists.
Pula Art Scene
Pula, known for its Roman architecture, also boasts a dynamic art scene. Key exhibitions this summer include:
Galerija Cvajner: A prominent gallery featuring contemporary artists from Pula and the surrounding region, such as Edo Murtić, whose vibrant abstract paintings are widely celebrated.
Galerija Makina: This gallery focuses on photography and contemporary art, showcasing works by local talents.
Zagreb Small Galleries and Design Week (July, August)
The Croatia’s capital never fails to impress with a wide offer of traditional and modern arts, including small independent galleries and large national museums. Here are three examples of what to see and where to go this summer:
Lauba – House for People and Art: A unique gallery space hosting a series of design-related exhibitions and featuring works by local designers.
Galerija Siva: Known for its focus on street art and underground culture, Galerija Siva will feature works by emerging urban artists such as Leonardo Kovačević, whose graffiti and murals reflect contemporary social issues.
Zagreb Design Week (August 21 – August 27) is the premier event for design enthusiasts in Croatia. This year’s theme is “Future of Design” and will feature:
– Innovative Product Designs: Displaying cutting-edge designs from Croatian and international designers, focusing on sustainability and technological advancements.
– Interactive Workshops: Offering hands-on experiences in various design disciplines, from fashion to industrial design.
Varaždin Art Exhibitions (July, August)
Varaždin, with its baroque charm, is a cultural gem in northern Croatia. Key exhibitions include:
Varaždin City Museum: Presenting “Baroque Splendor,” an exhibition that highlights the city’s artistic heritage from the baroque period.
Galerija Zlati Ajngel: Featuring works by local artists.
Osijek Summer Art Exhibitions
Osijek, located in the eastern part of Croatia, is home to a burgeoning art scene. Key exhibitions this summer include:
Museum of Slavonia: Hosting a variety of exhibitions that cover historical and contemporary topics. This summer features “Slavonia Through Ages,” a deep dive into the region’s rich history.
Galerija Kazamat: A local gallery showcasing contemporary art by Osijek-based artists.
Slavonski Brod Summer Exhibitions (July, August)
Slavonski Brod, situated on the Sava River, is home to several noteworthy cultural venues. Key exhibitions this summer include:
Galerija Ružić: Showcasing the works of Branko Ružić, a prominent Croatian sculptor, along with contemporary artists from the region.
Slavonski Brod City Museum: Hosting “Sava River Through Time,” an exhibition that explores the historical significance of the river to the region.
Croatia’s summer exhibitions provide a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, blending historical heritage with contemporary creativity. Whether you’re wandering the ancient streets of Dubrovnik or exploring the modern galleries of Zagreb, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These exhibitions not only highlight the work of renowned Croatian artists but also give a platform to emerging local talents, making the summer of 2024 a vibrant and inspiring time for local arts scene.
