MOMAD Museum of Modern Art of Ragusa

The Museum of Modern Art in Dubrovnik, located in the prestigious villa built in 1939 by the renowned shipowner of Dubrovnik Božo Banac, is one of the most important cultural institutions in the city. Designed by the renowned Croatian architects Lavoslav Horvat and Harold Bilinić, the museum was founded in 1945 and has since become a vital center for Croatian and international modern and contemporary art. The structure housing the museum is a remarkable example of modernist architecture, with clean lines and spacious interiors that create an ideal environment for artistic exhibitions. The villa itself, originally built as a private residence, was converted into a museum in 1948, maintaining its elegant facade and functional design.The permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in Dubrovnik includes over 3,000 works, mainly by Croatian artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. Among these, prominent names include Vlaho Bukovac, one of the most famous Croatian painters known for his portraits and historical scenes, and other notable artists such as Ivo Dulčić, Antun Masle, and Đuro Pulitika, who have made significant contributions to the development of Croatian modern art.The museum’s exhibitions are not limited to the permanent collection. The institution regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase contemporary artists, both Croatian and international. These exhibitions range from visual arts to photography, sculpture to video art, creating a dynamic dialogue between the past and the present. For example, recent exhibitions have included works by artists such as Zoran Šimunović, known for his paintings that explore the boundary between figuration and abstraction, and Boris Cvjetanović, whose black and white photographs capture moments of daily life with a unique sensitivity.A distinctive feature of the museum is the sculpture terrace, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Old Town of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea. This outdoor space houses a collection of modern and contemporary sculptures, creating an environment where art and nature harmoniously blend. One of the museum’s most important initiatives is the management of two other important artistic institutions in Dubrovnik: the Dulčić Masle Pulitika Gallery and the Pulitika Atelier. These exhibition spaces, located in the Old Town, are dedicated respectively to the works of three great Croatian artists of the 20th century and the studio of sculptor Ivo Grbić. Managing these galleries allows the museum to offer an even broader and more comprehensive view of the Croatian art scene.An interesting anecdote related to the Museum of Modern Art in Dubrovnik concerns the exhibition of works by Pablo Picasso in 2008. Thanks to collaboration with private collectors and the Kunstmuseum Mülheim an der Ruhr, the museum was able to exhibit a series of prints by the Spanish artist, attracting the attention of the public and critics. This exhibition confirmed the museum’s role as an international reference point for modern art.