In the historic city of Zadar on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, there are many museums that showcase the rich history and culture of the region. Here are some of the most famous museums in Zadar.
Ancient Glass Museum Zadar:
The Ancient Glass Museum is located in the historical centre of Zadar and is dedicated to the art and history of ancient glassmaking. The museum’s collection includes antique glassware such as vases, bowls and jewellery, as well as exhibits on the history of glassmaking in the region.
Archaeological Museum of Zadar:
The Archaeological Museum of Zadar is housed in a historic building in the city centre and displays the history and culture of the Zadar region from prehistory to the Middle Ages. The museum’s collection includes artefacts from the Illyrian, Roman and early Christian periods, as well as exhibits from the medieval history of the region.
Tours from Zadar: There are many excursions by bus, boat … to islands, national parks, rafting, kayaking as well as city tours in Zadar: All bookable on the great website Getyourguide.
National Museum of Zadar:
The National Museum of Zadar is located in the historical centre of the city and is dedicated to the art and culture of the Zadar region. The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures and other works of art, as well as exhibits on the history of the region.
Museum of Illusions Zadar:
The Museum of Illusions Zadar is a fun and interactive museum that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the world of optical illusions and other amazing phenomena. The museum’s exhibits include holograms, 3D paintings and other optical illusions that challenge your perception of reality.
Permanent Exhibition of Religious Art Zadar:
The permanent exhibition of religious art in Zadar is located in St Mary’s Church in the historical centre of the city and displays a wide range of religious art and artefacts from the Middle Ages to the present day.
The museums in Zadar offer visitors a unique insight into the rich history and culture of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. From ancient glassmaking to medieval art and architecture, each museum offers a unique perspective on the region’s past and is well worth a visit for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating part of the world.
Individual museums
Antique Glass Museum Zadar:
The Museum of Ancient Glass in Zadar, Croatia, is a fascinating museum showing the history and production of ancient glass. The museum is located in the historic centre of Zadar, close to popular sights such as the Roman Forum, St Donatus Church and the Sea Organ.
The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 19th century palace that once belonged to the noble Cosmasendi family. The building itself is a work of art with beautiful architectural details and a stunning interior that provides the perfect setting for the glass objects on display.
The extensive collection of the Museum of Ancient Glass includes over 4000 pieces of glass from the 1st century BC to the 5th century. The collection includes various types of glass containers such as cups, bowls, bottles, decanters, lamps and ornaments such as perfume bottles, mosaics and sculptures. The glass artworks are presented in chronological and thematic order so that visitors can follow the development of glass techniques and artistic styles of the different periods.
One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of Roman glassware, considered one of the most important in the world. The collection includes a range of glassware from the Roman Empire, including decorated cups and vases as well as filigree figures made of mouth-blown glass. Visitors can also admire collections of Hellenistic and ancient Roman glass, as well as examples of Islamic and Venetian glass. The museum also has a glassblowing workshop where skilled craftsmen demonstrate the traditional technique of glassblowing to visitors. It is popular as a workshop where you can gain valuable experience of making and shaping glass by hand. Visitors can also learn about glassblowing in the museum’s glassblowing workshop, which is open to both adults and children.
In addition to its glass collection and glassblowing workshops, the Museum of Ancient Glass hosts a variety of special exhibitions, lectures and educational programmes throughout the year. The museum offers a comprehensive educational programme that includes guided tours for schools, workshops for children and lectures for adults. The museum’s awareness programme also provides teaching materials and resources for educators and students.
Archaeological Museum Zadar
The Archaeological Museum in Zadar, Croatia, is an impressive museum that showcases the rich and varied history of the region. The museum is located in the historic centre of the city, close to popular attractions such as the Roman Forum and St Donatus Church.
The museum is housed in a 19th century building that used to be a monastery. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece with beautiful courtyards and stunning interiors that provide the ideal setting for the museum’s extensive collection.
The collections of the Archaeological Museum in Zadar cover a wide range of periods and cultures, from prehistory to the Middle Ages. The museum’s exhibitions are arranged chronologically and thematically, allowing visitors to trace the development of civilisation in the region.
One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of prehistoric artefacts, including Neolithic and Bronze Age stone tools, pottery and jewellery. Visitors can also admire collections of ancient Greek and Roman artefacts such as pottery, coins and sculptures. The museum also has an impressive collection of medieval artefacts, including weapons, armour and pottery.
One of the most important exhibits of the Archaeological Museum is its collection of Roman glassware. The collection includes glassware such as cups, vases and bowls, as well as numerous ornate mosaic panels and figurines.
The museum also has a collection of early Christian objects, including stone sculptures and sarcophagi, and a collection of objects from the Byzantine period. Visitors can also admire collections of Islamic artefacts such as pottery, textiles and wrought ironwork.
In addition to its extensive collection, the Archaeological Museum in Zadar also hosts various special exhibitions throughout the year. The museum also offers educational programmes and workshops for children and adults, as well as guided tours and lectures for visitors.
Museum of Illusions Zadar
The Museum of Illusions in Zadar, Croatia, is a unique and attractive museum that offers visitors of all ages a fun and interactive experience. The museum is located in the historical centre of Zadar, close to other popular attractions such as the Sea Organ and St Donatus Church.
The Museum of Illusions features over 70 exhibitions and installations dealing with the perception of space, time and reality. The exhibitions are designed to challenge visitors’ perceptions and make them question what they see and experience.
One of the highlights of the museum is the Ames Room. This is a distorted room that creates the illusion of a person appearing smaller or larger depending on their location. Visitors can also discover the Infinity Room, a space lined with mirrors that create infinite reflections.
Other exhibitions include the Anti-Gravity Room, which creates the illusion of defying gravity, and the Rotation Room, an angled room that gives visitors the feeling of standing at an angle. The museum also has several installations that use mirrors and light to create fascinating visual effects.
In addition to the exhibitions, the Museum of Illusions in Zadar offers a variety of educational programmes and workshops for children and adults. The museum’s staff are knowledgeable and friendly and are ready to answer questions and provide information about the exhibitions. The Museum of Illusions is a popular attraction in Zadar and you can expect long queues in high season. But the wait is worth it, as the museum offers a unique and unforgettable experience that will delight and challenge visitors of all ages.
Tours from Zadar: There are many excursions by bus, boat … to islands, national parks, rafting, kayaking as well as city tours in Zadar: All bookable on the great website Getyourguide.