Croatian History Museum

Croatian History Museum in Zagreb occupies the historic Vojković Palace on Antun Gustav Matoš Street, right in the heart of Gornji Grad, the city's Upper Town. Surrounded by baroque façades and quiet cobbled lanes, it holds one of the country's most extensive historical collections.

What will you see inside?

The museum's holdings number around 300,000 objects, organized into 17 thematic collections. Visitors can expect military memorabilia, documents, uniforms, medals, maps, photographs and everyday artifacts that together trace Croatia's history across the centuries — from the medieval period through the Habsburg era to the 20th century and more recent events. Exhibitions rotate regularly, so even repeat visitors to Zagreb are likely to find a fresh temporary display focused on a particular figure or period.

The building itself, Vojković Palace, is worth the visit on its own merits. Its interiors, staircases and reception halls still carry the atmosphere of old Zagreb aristocracy, adding an architectural layer to the experience that goes beyond the exhibits on display.

It's also worth knowing that the museum oversees part of the Meštrović Pavilion and runs the Ivan Goran Kovačić Memorial Museum in Lukovdol, extending its reach well beyond its main home in Gornji Grad.

How do you get there?

The museum sits within Gornji Grad, a district best explored on foot, home to many of Zagreb's key landmarks including the cathedral, St. Mark's Church and the Stone Gate. Walking from the city's main square, Trg bana Jelačića, takes only a few minutes, or you can ride the funicular connecting the Lower and Upper Town and continue on foot from there. The narrow, historic streets of Gornji Grad make walking the most practical option — parking nearby is limited.

When should you visit?

The museum is closed on Mondays. Opening hours vary through the rest of the week: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays it's open from 10:00 to 17:00, while Thursdays offer extended hours until 20:00, giving visitors the option of an evening visit. Saturdays run from 10:00 to 19:00, and Sundays have a shorter window, from 10:00 to 13:00. It's worth checking these differences before planning a weekend trip.

The best time to visit is a weekday morning, when the museum is quietest and Gornji Grad is just waking up — a good moment to continue exploring the surrounding historic streets before the crowds arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How many objects does the museum's collection hold? Around 300,000 objects, divided into 17 thematic collections covering everything from militaria to documents and photographs.

Where exactly is the museum located? In Vojković Palace on Antun Gustav Matoš Street, in the Gornji Grad district of Zagreb.

Is the museum open every day of the week? No — it's closed on Mondays. Hours vary on other days, with the longest opening hours on Thursdays (until 20:00).

Does the museum have branches outside Zagreb? Yes, it also administers part of the Meštrović Pavilion and the Ivan Goran Kovačić Memorial Museum in Lukovdol.