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Croatian Museum of Naïve Art: A World of Untutored Brilliance

Discover a world of whimsical creativity at Zagreb's Croatian Museum of Naïve Art, showcasing self-taught 20th-century masters.

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Discover the charming and often whimsical world of self-taught artists at Zagreb's Croatian Museum of Naïve Art. Housed in the 18th-century Raffay Palace, the museum showcases a unique collection of 20th-century paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints, primarily by Croatian artists.

A brief summary to Croatian Museum of Naïve Art

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the artworks.
  • Check the museum's website for information on upcoming exhibitions and events.
  • Combine your visit with the nearby Museum of Broken Relationships.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art is located in Zagreb's Upper Town, a short walk from many central landmarks. From Ban Jelačić Square, walk north towards the Upper Town. You can take the funicular up to Upper Town, or walk up the steps. The museum is located near St. Mark's Church and opposite the Museum of Broken Relationships.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the museum via public transport, take a tram or bus to the city center. From there, transfer to another tram or bus that goes to the Upper Town (Gornji Grad). The museum is within walking distance from the tram/bus stop. A single fare for public transport in Zagreb is around €0.53-€1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Zagreb. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Upper Town, where the museum is located, will cost approximately €8-€10. Consider using apps like Zagreb Taxi, Wizi, or Eko Taxi.

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Discover more about Croatian Museum of Naïve Art

The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art, or Hrvatski muzej naivne umjetnosti, nestled in Zagreb's Upper Town (Gornji Grad), is dedicated to showcasing the works of self-taught artists of the 20th century. The museum holds more than 1,900 artworks, with approximately 80 pieces on display at any time. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints, primarily by Croatian artists, but also featuring international artists in the genre. Naïve art emerged in Croatia in the early 1930s, particularly among the rural and working-class populations. These artists, without formal training, developed their own unique styles, often characterized by unconventional perspectives, vibrant colors, and a poetic quality. The Hlebine School, named after a village in northern Croatia, became a central force in the movement, producing renowned artists such as Ivan Generalić and Franjo Mraz. The museum itself has a rich history, opening as the Peasant Art Gallery in 1952. It was later known as the Gallery of Primitive Art before becoming the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art in 1994. The museum's collection includes early masters of the Hlebine school, with works starting from the 1930s. The Raffay Palace, an elegant 18th-century structure, provides a charming setting for the museum's collection.

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