Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts in Split is one of Croatia’s cultural gems, an institution that encapsulates centuries of artistic history and serves as a custodian of the national artistic heritage. Founded in 1931, the museum is located in an elegant building designed to house a vast and varied collection covering over seven hundred years of Croatian and international art. The collection of the Museum of Fine Arts is extraordinary in its breadth and diversity. It includes works ranging from the 14th century to the present day, offering visitors a journey through the history of Croatian art and beyond. The permanent collection is divided into different sections, including painting, sculpture, graphics, and modern art. Each section is carefully curated to represent the various artistic currents and the major artists who have shaped the history of art. One of the most fascinating aspects of the museum is its collection of medieval art, which includes splendid panel paintings and religious icons. These works, often characterized by a Byzantine style, testify to the cultural and religious influence of the time. Among the most notable works in this section are the icons that adorned Croatian churches, painted with extraordinary attention to detail and deep spirituality. The Renaissance period is well represented with works reflecting the influence of Italian art. 15th and 16th century painting in Croatia shows a fascinating syncretism between late Gothic style and new Renaissance ideas from Italy. The museum houses works by artists such as Nikola Božidarević and Andrija Medulić, who contributed to defining the artistic landscape of the time. The baroque section of the museum is equally impressive, with paintings expressing the drama and richness of this period. Works by authors such as Federico Benković and Celestin Medović show a masterful use of color and light, distinctive features of the baroque. These works not only depict religious and mythological scenes, but also offer a glimpse into the daily life and traditions of the time. The museum’s collection of modern and contemporary art is particularly relevant, with works ranging from Impressionism to Surrealism, to the latest currents of contemporary art. Artists like Vlaho Bukovac and Emanuel Vidović are well represented, with works that show the evolution of their style and their response to the social and political changes of their time. The contemporary art section continues to expand, reflecting the vitality and diversity of modern Croatian art. The museum’s structure itself is a work of art. The building was designed to maximize the display of the exhibited works, with spacious exhibition halls and lighting designed to highlight the details of the works. The spaces were designed to be welcoming and accessible, making the visit a pleasant and stimulating experience. An example of how the museum manages to combine tradition and modernity is the use of digital technologies to enhance the visitor’s experience. Interactive installations and multimedia applications allow for a deeper understanding of the works and the historical contexts in which they were created. These digital tools make the museum accessible to a wider and more inclusive audience, facilitating interaction with art even for the younger generation.