Mimara Museum

Mimara Museum is one of Zagreb's major art museums, housed on Roosevelt Square (Rooseveltov trg) in the Donji Grad district. It opened on 17 July 1987, and its core is the collection that its founders, Ante Topić Mimara and his wife Wiltrud, gave to the Croatian people.

Who was Ante Topić Mimara?

Ante Topić Mimara (1898-1987) was a Croatian collector, painter and restorer. He donated his holdings to the Croatian nation for permanent ownership, on the condition that space be arranged to display them permanently. The museum was founded in 1980 and opened to visitors in 1987, the year the collector died.

What will you see?

According to published sources, the holdings number over 3,750 artworks and artifacts spanning roughly three millennia. Among the Old Master paintings you will find names such as Veronese, Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya and Delacroix. It is a good choice if you want a broad overview of European art rather than a single era.

The building on Roosevelt Square

The building dates from the 19th century and originally served as a gymnasium (secondary school). Its conversion into a museum was overseen by the Zagreb architect Kuno Waidmann. It is a protected cultural asset listed in Croatia's Register of Cultural Goods, so the architecture is worth a look before you step inside.

Institutional status

In 1998 the Law on Museums dissolved the Museum-Gallery Center, which was split into two independent public institutions. Since 9 February 1999 the Mimara Museum has operated as an independent public institution.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Mimara Museum? At Rooseveltov trg 5 in Zagreb, in the central Donji Grad district.

When did it open? On 17 July 1987.

Who assembled the collection? Ante Topić Mimara and his wife Wiltrud; the collector donated it to the Croatian people.

Which artists are represented? Old Masters named in sources include Veronese, Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya and Delacroix.

Do I need to check opening hours? Yes. Hours vary by season and are listed inconsistently across sites, and the museum is closed on Mondays. Check the official museum website for the current schedule and ticket prices before you go.

Who is it for?

Lovers of European painting, art history and 19th-century architecture, and anyone who wants to spend a few hours in one of the region's most varied collections. It pairs easily with a stroll through the neighboring squares and parks of Donji Grad's Green Horseshoe.