Klovićevi dvori

Klovićevi Dvori Gallery is one of Zagreb's leading art venues, housed in a historic complex in Gornji Grad (the Upper Town) — the oldest and most picturesque part of the Croatian capital. The gallery opened in 1982 and takes its name from Juraj Julije Klović, a Croatian-born 16th-century painter widely regarded as one of the greatest manuscript illuminators of the Italian Renaissance.

What should you know before visiting?

Klovićevi Dvori isn't a museum with a permanent collection — it's an exhibition gallery, hosting rotating, temporary shows of international standing. Its program spans everything from surveys of historical art to exhibitions dedicated to modern and contemporary work, often produced in partnership with foreign cultural institutions. Because of this, the offering changes several times a year, so no two visits are quite the same.

The building itself is woven into the historic fabric of the Upper Town, a district that also contains Zagreb Cathedral, St. Mark's Church, and rows of townhouses with Baroque and Renaissance details. The surroundings are an attraction in their own right, which makes it easy to pair a visit to the gallery with a walk through the city's oldest streets.

How do you get there?

The Upper Town is a pedestrian area best reached on foot from the Lower Town (Donji Grad) — the walk takes roughly fifteen minutes along a network of narrow, characterful streets. An alternative is the historic funicular (Uspinjača), one of the shortest in the world, which connects the lower and upper parts of the city in about a minute. From the upper funicular station, the gallery is just a short walk away across a square lined with historic buildings.

If you're using public transport, Ban Jelačić Square in central Zagreb is a convenient starting point, with marked walking routes leading up into the Upper Town.

What else is nearby?

Proximity to the Upper Town's other landmarks is one of the gallery's biggest draws. Within a few minutes' walk you'll find St. Mark's Church with its distinctive tiled roof, several viewpoints over the Zagreb skyline, and quiet lanes filled with cafés and small local shops. It's worth treating a visit to the gallery as part of a longer stroll through the historic quarter rather than a standalone stop.

When should you visit?

Since Klovićevi Dvori runs temporary exhibitions, it's worth checking the current program before you go — the lineup changes throughout the year, and some shows draw visitors from across the region. The Upper Town is pleasant to explore in almost any season, though spring and autumn let you avoid both the summer crowds and the winter chill.

Frequently asked questions

What is Klovićevi Dvori Gallery? It's an art gallery in Zagreb, opened in 1982, that hosts temporary exhibitions of historical and contemporary art, often with an international scope.

Where does the gallery's name come from? It's named after Juraj Julije Klović, a Croatian-born 16th-century artist considered one of the finest manuscript illuminators of the Renaissance era.

Where exactly is the gallery located? In Zagreb's Upper Town (Gornji Grad), the historic heart of the Croatian capital, surrounded by the district's other landmark buildings.

Does the gallery have a permanent collection? No — Klovićevi Dvori focuses on temporary exhibitions, so it's a good idea to check what's currently on display before planning your visit.