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June 18, 2024
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June 18, 2024Split is not just about beautiful beaches and crystal-clear blue sea…
Hello, dear reader!
Are you already soaking up the sun while the crystal-clear sea whispers its most beautiful melodies, or are you still planning your visit to the city beneath Marjan? Either way, don’t worry—beaches and good weather are not the only things this coastal city has to offer.
You probably already know about the grandeur of Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has proudly stood since Roman times. And maybe you’ve heard the stories about the bustling city market and Saturday mornings reserved for sipping coffee on the Riva… But as you stroll through the charming streets of the city, your attention will surely be drawn to its cultural and artistic scene—from grand architecture, museums, and galleries to an endless array of exhibitions, performances, workshops, and educational programs.
For years, Split has established itself as a vibrant artistic hub, merging its rich history with contemporary creative expression. Every museum and gallery contributes to the unique artistic tapestry of Split, offering visitors an enriching experience that bridges the past, present, and future.
Whether you're drawn to classical art, fascinated by ancient history, or searching for a contemporary perspective that sparks innovation and pushes boundaries—Split has something for everyone.
You know how it is—when you're a tourist, online guides often highlight the same locations. But we decided to take matters into our own hands and explore “everything” this city has to offer.
We’re thrilled to share that we’ve discovered true hidden gems, something special that will allow you to experience Split in a unique way. Whether you’re an art lover or simply looking to spend a free afternoon in a meaningful way, here’s our selection of 8 must-see galleries, museums, and art studios.
When curating this list, we took into account the popularity and uniqueness of the attractions, their location, opening hours, and overall content.
So, if you choose to follow this list, we recommend splitting your visit over two days—starting your adventure at Marjan in the residence of an iconic Croatian sculptor and ending it by sipping cocktails on the terrace of the Gallery of Fine Arts.
Of course, this is just our suggestion—feel free to tailor it to your interests, availability, and plans… Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Now, imagine this scene—the sun has already risen, cicadas are chirping in the background, the vast blue sea stretches out before you, and behind you stand the majestic doors leading to the estate of one of Croatia’s greatest artists.
Isn’t that the perfect way to start the day?
That’s exactly where our tour begins—at Meštrović's residence in Meje.
Meštrović Gallery
Exterior of the Meštrović Gallery (Source: Adriatic.hr)
Named after the Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, this gallery is a direct gift from the artist to the Croatian people. Its significance for Croatian art is immeasurable, offering only a small glimpse into his life and artistic vision through masterpieces in marble, bronze, wood, and plaster.
Housed in a historic 17th-century building, the gallery displays a range of sculptures, drawings, and architectural designs from the artist’s opus. The very design of the Gallery and its surroundings reflects Meštrović’s desire to create a villa with three purposes: living, working, and exhibiting—unfortunately, the Gallery never became his residence.
Additionally, an unmissable attraction when visiting the Gallery is Meštrović’s Crkvine—the “abandoned” Capogrosso family complex, located by the sea, which Meštrović and his brother Petar purchased and renovated. Today, it holds the status of a protected cultural heritage site.
Good news—purchasing a ticket for the Gallery automatically grants you access to the complex.
| Address: | Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića 46 The gallery is located in the Split district of “Meje” — it can be reached with a 15-minute walk from the Riva, by buses no. 7, 8, 12, and 21, or by taxi. Meštrović’s Crkvine is just a 5-minute walk from the Gallery. |
| Opening hours: | Tue-Sun 09:00-19:00 Closed on Mondays and public holidays. |
| Tickets*: | Adults - €12 Students, pupils, and retirees - €8 Free admission for unemployed individuals and persons with disabilities. |
*The ticket includes access to the Meštrović Gallery and Crikvine – Kaštilac.
Meštrović's Crkvine (Source: Adriatic.hr)
NOTE: Visiting Crkvine must be mentioned at the reception when purchasing tickets.
Ethnographic Museum
Ethnographic Museum, Split (Source: Adriatic.hr)
Housed in the legacy of the Papalić family, a Gothic-Renaissance palace, the museum collects, preserves, and presents the story of the city's history—not only through displayed exhibits but also through nearly 200 audio recordings and an archive of thematically arranged photographs.
Although it was fully opened to the public only in 1992, its establishment as an independent institution and its existing archives have been of great importance for the beginning of museum activities in our city.
To this day, it stands out for its modern approach and its crucial role in promoting Split’s cultural identity through its collections, archives, and library.
| Address: | Iza Vestibula 4 When you find your way to Peristyle, the central square of the Palace, turn south and your eyes will fall on a facade divided into two parts—the lower part leading to the famous basements and the upper part leading to the Vestibule... By passing through the Vestibule, you will enter the southern part of the Palace, where the museum is located. |
| Opening hours: | Summer Mon-Fri 09:30-19:00 Sat 10:00-17:00 Winter Mon-Fri 09:30-15:00 Sat 10:00-14:00 |
| Tickets: | Adults – €3 Children, pupils, students, retirees, persons with disabilities – €1.50 Split Card - free entry |
Salon Galić
Salon Galić (Source: Adriatic.hr)
Founded in 1924, with an attractive location on the main street, Marmontova, this venue represents a legendary center of artistic life in Split.
It was established by Ivan Galić, after whom it was named, and during the interwar period, it was the only artistic exhibition space in Split. The salon gained prominence by attracting the intellectual elite of the time—Dinko Šimunović, Tin Ujević, Vladimir Nazor, sculptors Marin Studin and Ivan Meštrović, and many others.
After the death of Ivan Galić, the management of the Salon was taken over by the Croatian Association of Fine Artists.
To this day, it remains an important cultural hub, showcasing artistic forms of domestic and international origin, as well as hosting numerous educational and discursive activities and collaborations in the field of contemporary art.
| Address: | Marmontova 3 If you find yourself on Split’s Riva, trust us—you won’t have any trouble recognizing the main street. ;) |
| Opening hours: | Mon-Fri 10:00-13:00, 17:00-21:00 Sat 10:00-13:00 Closed on Sundays and public holidays. |
| Tickets: | Free entry. |
Emanuel Vidović Gallery
Reconstruction of Emanuel Vidović's Studio (Source: Museum of the City of Split, Zlatko Sunko)
Interior of the Emanuel Vidović Gallery (Source: Museum of the City of Split, Zlatko Sunko)
Dedicated to the works of Emanuel Vidović, one of the most renowned Croatian painters, this gallery offers a comprehensive insight into his artistic journey. Vidović’s vivid landscapes and intimate portraits, capturing the essence of Dalmatian scenery and people, can be found in a neoclassical building near the Silver Gate of Diocletian’s Palace, dating back to the 19th century.
The Gallery was opened in 2006 as part of the Split City Museum, and today, in addition to its permanent collection of Vidović’s works, it hosts exhibitions featuring numerous Croatian artists, with a special focus on the Split art scene.
| Address: | Poljana Kraljice Jelene 1 When you stand beneath the bell tower of St. Domnius, head towards the Silver Gate of the palace, and on your left, you will see the entrance to the Gallery. |
| Opening hours: | 01.11. - 31.03. Tue-Sat 9:00 – 17:00 Sun 9:00 – 14:00 Closed on Mondays and public holidays. 01.04. - 31.05. Every day 8:30 – 21:00 01.06. - 30.09. Every day 8:30 – 22:00 01.10. - 31.10. Mon-Sat 8:30 – 21:00 Sun 9:00 – 17:00 |
| Tickets: | Permanent exhibition Adults - €5 Students, pupils - €2 Children aged 7-15 - €1.50 Temporary exhibitions Adults - €2 Free entry for children under 7 and persons with disabilities. |
Manuš Gallery
A hidden gem of Split’s cultural scene, located in the charming neighborhood of Manuš — just above the famous Đardin (Giardin).
Their mission is simple: to give contemporary artists a space to present their work to a wider audience.
Here, contemporary art blends with innovative projects, attracting visitors in search of originality. Through exhibitions, workshops, and lectures, Galerija Manuš connects artists with audiences and fosters dialogue about contemporary artistic trends.
Above all, there’s one unique aspect: Galerija Manuš is the first commercial gallery in Croatia. Alongside its exhibition activities, it aims to represent artists, sell their works, provide access to fairs and collectors, and serve as a mediator between artists and the often inaccessible art market.
| Address: | Livanjska ulica 6 The fastest way from the city’s Riva to the Gallery is on foot — through Marmontova Street, past the statue of Grgur Ninski, and across Giardin. |
| Opening hours: | MON-FRI 14:00-20:00 SAT 09:00-13:00 Closed on Sundays and public holidays. |
| Tickets: | Free entry. |
ForGas Butiga
In the magnificent Cindro Palace, right in the heart of Split, between Peristyle and the Iron Gate, lies a family-run boutique filled with passion and dedication to art.
Every item, carefully designed and handcrafted over three generations of artists, is a testament to their commitment and creativity.
Forgas Butiga also boasts a rich history of collaborations—Estée Lauder, Sean John, and Sony are just some of the names that have recognized this family's talent.
Trust us, the moment you step into the shop, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a parallel universe—a space nestled in the liveliest part of the city, filled with artworks blending baroque and pop-art styles, yet still so serene and unique…
For those who wish to take a piece of this story with them, you can support the artists by purchasing one of the many items showcased right here in the gallery.
| Address: | Ulica Kralja Petra Krešimira IV 3 When you find yourself at the famous Peristyle, turn your back to it and take a left onto the street leading towards the Sundial. After a few steps, you’ll spot a neon lightning bolt with the name ForGas on your right. |
| Opening hours: | MON-FRI 10:00-18:00 SAT 10:00-14:00 Closed on Sundays and public holidays. |
Originally opened as a studio for designing small utility objects, Naranča Art Studio has now evolved into an open space for the artistic expression of the Majić family.
In addition to a diverse range of works, from graphics and acrylic paintings to designer objects and jewelry, the gallery stands out for its unique spatial concept. Inspired by the aesthetics and functionality of a ship, the gallery’s interior is structured across three levels that seamlessly interact as a whole.
For nearly thirty years, Studio Naranča has remained a source of original and modern artistic objects—authentic and deeply rooted in Mediterranean sensibility and visual aesthetics. These pieces attract the attention of both local art lovers and visitors from around the world.
| Address: | Majstora Jurja 5 The gallery is easily accessible on foot (1 minute from the Golden Gate, 3 minutes from the Silver Gate, 1 minute from the Iron Gate, and 4 minutes from the Riva). |
| Opening hours: | MON-SAT 09:00-20:00 Closed on Sundays and public holidays. |
Behind the wise finger of Grgur Ninski lies an impressive collection of over 5,200 Croatian and international artworks dating from the 14th century to the present day.
Imagine: medieval icons and modern abstract pieces in one place… Just one of the reasons why we’re concluding our artistic adventure right here.
Additionally, after your visit, you can gather your thoughts and impressions in the atrium, and quench your thirst with a cocktail on the terrace while the Palace walls rise before you.
And if you ever need more stories about art, tune in to 101, 102, and 104.5 MHz for the weekly radio show “Radio Galerija”, where the museum curator and guests provide insights into exhibitions, programs, and events at the Gallery while discussing contemporary artistic trends and visual culture in general.
| Address: | Ulica Kralja Tomislava 15 The Gallery is just a 5-minute walk from the Riva—simply head towards Giardin. |
| Opening hours: | TUE-SUN 10:00-18:00 THU 10:00-21:00 Closed on Mondays and public holidays. |
| Tickets: | Adults - €5 Students, pupils, and retirees - €3 Free entry for children under 7, visual artists, and students of fine arts schools and academies. |
Finally, although they did not make it to the list above, it is certainly worth mentioning the remaining museums, galleries, and artistic spaces in the city of Split:
MUSEUMS
Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments
INTERACTIVE MUSEUMS
GALLERIES
“OPEN-DOOR” STUDIO/GALLERY AND ART SHOPS
