Modern Gallery

Modern Gallery Zagreb (National Museum of Modern Art): Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Information (2025)

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Modern Gallery Zagreb, known since 2021 as the National Museum of Modern Art (Nacionalni muzej moderne umjetnosti, NMMU), embodies over two centuries of Croatian artistic innovation and heritage. Founded in 1905, the museum has grown from a modest collection to a vast repository of 10,000–12,000 works, documenting the evolution of Croatian painting, sculpture, and graphic arts. Traditionally housed in the iconic Vranyczany Palace, the gallery not only preserves national treasures but also highlights Croatia’s dialogue with European artistic movements such as Impressionism, Symbolism, and Modernism.

Due to earthquake damage in 2020, the Vranyczany Palace is closed for extensive renovations. In the interim, the NMMU maintains its public mission through the “NMMU u gostima” program, presenting exhibitions and cultural events at alternate venues throughout Zagreb. This guide provides up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and highlights of both the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, ensuring the best experience for art lovers and travelers in 2025.

For the latest visitor information and updates, consult the official NMMU website and Infozagreb.hr.

Historical Overview
Visiting Information
Collection Highlights and Thematic Layout
Nearby Attractions
Special Events and Cultural Highlights in 2025
Visual and Interactive Resources
FAQs
Summary and Visitor Tips
References

Historical Overview

Origins and Development

The Modern Gallery Zagreb was established in 1905 after years of advocacy by Izidor Kršnjavi, a notable painter and art historian. Its initial collection comprised just three works, with support from figures such as Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer. Housed originally in the Museum of Arts and Crafts, the gallery gradually opened to the broader public and expanded its holdings, reflecting a period of Croatian national and cultural revival (NMMU official site).

Relocation and Renovation

A major milestone occurred in 1934, when the collection moved to the Vranyczany Palace—a grand 19th-century residence designed by Otto Hofer. This setting, overlooking Zrinjevac Park, situated the gallery among Zagreb’s prominent cultural institutions. Major renovations between 1993 and 2005 modernized the exhibition spaces while preserving the palace’s historic character. In 2009, the innovative Tactile Gallery MG was established, making art accessible for vision-impaired visitors (Smithsonian Magazine).

Recent Developments

Following the 2020 earthquake, the Vranyczany Palace sustained significant damage, prompting a long-term closure for renovations. During this period, the NMMU continues its activities through alternative venues and digital offerings, ensuring ongoing public engagement (Infozagreb.hr).

Visiting Information

Current Status and Alternative Venues

Vranyczany Palace (main building): Closed for renovations as of June 2025.
“NMMU u gostima” Program: Key exhibitions, artist talks, and highlights from the museum’s collection are presented in alternative venues across Zagreb.

Main Alternative Venues

Josip Račić Gallery: Margaretska 3, central Zagreb. The principal space for NMMU exhibitions, open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (NMMU.hr).
Oktogon Passage: Downtown Zagreb. Hosts special exhibitions and cultural events, open daily, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Regional Collaborations: NMMU partners with galleries such as Vjekoslav Karas Gallery in Karlovac and others to present thematic shows.

Other recommended art venues in Zagreb include the Museum of Contemporary Art, Klovićevi Dvori Gallery, Lauba – House for People and Art, the Museum of Broken Relationships, and the Croatian Museum of Naive Art (Time Out Croatia).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Josip Račić Gallery

Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Mondays.
Tickets: 3 EUR for adults; discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Some events are free.

Oktogon Passage

Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Admission: Usually free for special events.

Regional Galleries

Check individual websites for hours and ticketing.

Ticket prices for main gallery (upon reopening): Adults 40 HRK, students/seniors reduced rates, children under 7 free (official NMMU website).

Accessibility

All main alternative venues, including the Josip Račić Gallery and Oktogon Passage, are wheelchair accessible. The NMMU maintains a commitment to access, with tactile exhibitions and assistance available upon request.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are available at the Josip Račić Gallery and during special exhibitions at alternative venues. Tours in Croatian and English can be booked in advance, and artist-led talks are frequently scheduled.

Getting There

Josip Račić Gallery: Centrally located, easily reached by foot or public transport from Ban Jelačić Square. Nearby tram lines: 1, 6, 11.
Oktogon Passage: Downtown, accessible by all central tram lines.
Parking: Limited in the city center; public transport is recommended.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings or late afternoons are ideal for fewer crowds. Special events and major exhibitions may attract more visitors—check the NMMU website for event schedules.

Collection Highlights and Thematic Layout

The NMMU’s collection spans Croatian art from the late 19th century to the present, tracing developments from academic realism through modernism to contemporary abstraction.

Notable artists and highlights:

Vlaho Bukovac: Pioneer of Croatian modern painting.
Ivan Meštrović: Renowned sculptor.
Miroslav Kraljević: Modernist innovator.
Slava Raškaj: Celebrated for expressive watercolors.

Exhibitions are often organized thematically, showcasing national art in conversation with European movements like Impressionism, Symbolism, Expressionism, and the Vienna Secession. The Tactile Gallery MG offers specially adapted experiences for vision-impaired visitors (museu.ms).

Nearby Attractions

Zrinjevac Park: Landscaped gardens adjacent to the original gallery site.
Museum of Arts and Crafts: Historic and decorative arts.
Ban Jelačić Square: Zagreb’s central plaza.
Croatian National Theatre: Architectural and cultural landmark.
Zagreb Cathedral, Klovićevi Dvori Gallery, Museum of Broken Relationships: All within walking distance in the city center.

Special Events and Cultural Highlights in 2025

International Museum Day (May): Special exhibitions, tours, and workshops (NMMU.hr).
Citywide Festivals: Artupunktura and Festival of Lights feature NMMU collaborations, transforming public spaces with art installations (Smithsonian Magazine).

Visual and Interactive Resources

Virtual Tours: Explore highlights and virtual exhibitions via the NMMU website.
Multimedia Guides: Downloadable audio guides and apps, such as Audiala, provide in-depth commentary.
Image Suggestions:
- Exterior of Vranyczany Palace (under renovation)
- Josip Račić Gallery exhibition space
- Map of Zagreb highlighting alternative venues

FAQs

Q: Is the Modern Gallery (NMMU) main building open in 2025?
A: No, it remains closed for renovations. Visit the Josip Račić Gallery and other partner venues instead.

Q: Where can I see NMMU collections during renovations?
A: Main exhibitions are at the Josip Račić Gallery and Oktogon Passage, with additional shows in partner galleries.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Purchase at the venue or check the official NMMU website for details.

Q: Is the gallery accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the main alternative venues are wheelchair accessible.

Q: Are guided tours and educational events available?
A: Yes, check the NMMU website for schedules and bookings.

Q: Can I take photos in the galleries?
A: Policies vary by venue and exhibition; always check signage or ask staff.

Summary and Visitor Tips

Despite the closure of its historic site, the National Museum of Modern Art continues to champion Croatian modern and contemporary art through dynamic programming at alternative venues. The “NMMU u gostima” initiative sustains public engagement while restoration is underway, ensuring that visitors can experience Croatia’s artistic evolution across the city. Consult the official NMMU website for the latest updates, and enhance your visit with digital resources and related museum experiences.

Travel Tips:

Use public transport to navigate Zagreb’s city center.
Book guided tours in advance for deeper insights.
Combine your museum visit with nearby historical attractions.
Download the Audiala app for an enriched cultural experience.

References

This guide has been carefully edited for clarity, detail, and accuracy. For ongoing updates on exhibitions, tickets, and reopening plans, always refer to official sources.