Museum of Broken Relationships

The Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb is one of the most unusual attractions in the Croatian capital – a small, deeply personal museum located in the historic Upper Town and dedicated entirely to the theme of breakups and lost love. It was founded by a former couple, film producer Olinka Vištica and interior designer Dražen Grubišić, who turned the end of their own relationship into an art project with a surprisingly universal appeal.

What exactly is the Museum of Broken Relationships?

The museum houses a collection of everyday objects donated by people from all over the world, each one connected to the end of a specific relationship. Every item is displayed together with a short note written by the donor, explaining what happened and what the object meant. Some stories are funny, others are heartbreaking, but together they form a kind of collective diary of love, loss, and moving on. The concept proved so original that in 2011 the museum received the prestigious Kenneth Hudson Award from the European Museum Forum, given annually to the most innovative museum project in Europe.

How do you get there?

The museum sits in Gornji Grad, Zagreb's Upper Town, the same historic quarter that is home to the cathedral and St. Mark's Church. This part of the city is best explored on foot, so the easiest way to reach the museum is to walk up from the Lower Town or take the funicular connecting the two levels of the old city. Travelers relying on public transport can take a tram to the stops near Ban Jelačić Square and then continue on foot for a few minutes up through the narrow streets of the old district.

What can you expect to see inside?

The collection is not static – new objects arrive regularly, both from Croatia and from abroad through the museum's traveling exhibitions, so the exact selection on display changes over time. Visitors will find ordinary items: clothes, toys, letters, small keepsakes, each one taking on a completely different meaning once you read the accompanying story. Few people leave indifferent. Some visitors laugh, some are moved to tears, and many end up reflecting on their own relationships and memories.

When is the best time to visit?

From June to September the museum is open daily from 9:00 to 22:00, which leaves plenty of flexibility for fitting a visit into a day of sightseeing, whether in the morning or after dinner. From October to May the hours are slightly shorter, daily from 9:00 to 21:00. The museum is typically closed on public holidays, so it's worth checking ahead, especially if traveling around a holiday period.

How much time should you set aside?

Because the exhibition space is compact, a visit usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour and a half, depending on how much time you spend reading the stories next to each object. It pairs naturally with a walk through the Upper Town and visits to the cathedral or St. Mark's Church, since all of these sights are within easy walking distance of each other.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Museum of Broken Relationships suitable for children? The museum is aimed mainly at adults and teenagers, as the subject matter deals with adult relationships and emotions that younger children may find difficult to relate to.

Do you need to book tickets in advance? Because the exhibition space is small, queues can form during peak tourist season, so it is worth checking the current entry rules before visiting, especially in summer.

How long does a visit take? A typical visit lasts between 45 minutes and about 1.5 hours, depending on your pace.

Is there a gift shop? Yes, there is a small shop near the exit selling souvenirs inspired by the museum's theme, which are popular with visitors looking for a quirky memento of Zagreb.