Split Museums

(Split, Central Dalmatia, Croatia)

As you would imagine, Split has a very good selection of museums and art galleries, such is the history of the place. Many visitors make a trip to Split just to see some of these cultural offerings, along with the incredible architecture of the Diocletian Palace.

Most concentrate on the archaeological merit of the region and include both the Split Archaeological Museum (Arheoloski Muzej) and the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments (Muzej Hrvatskih Arheoloskih Spomenika). Each has been well done, although the top museum in Split is the Mestrovic Gallery.

The city's Archaeological Museum complements the others well, with its interesting archaeology exhibits, although is not usually anywhere near as busy. It is located north of downtown Split, yet within comfortable walking distance, and includes jewellery, pottery, and coins from nearby Salona, as well as many religious objects. This is also Croatia's oldest of its kind and it is therefore of great local significance.

Archaeological Museum (Arheoloski Muzej)

Address: Zrinsko-Frankopanska 25, Lovret, Split, Croatia, HR
Tel: +385 021 329 340
The Archaeological Museum in Split is pretty special, being founded by the Dalmatian government in 1820 and therefore now the most historic museum in Croatia. The present purpose-built building was constructed in 1914, although only opened its doors in 1922, with the delay caused by the First World War. Located on the northern side of the city centre, the Arheoloski Muzej displays finds of the Roman and early Christian days from both the city and its surrounds, including some interesting relics excavated from Narona and Solin (Salona). With a large exhibition hall, a covered atrium and a pleasant garden, there is plenty to see. The sculptures and reliefs are particularly impressive, while there is an array of jewellery, coins and ceramics on display as well.
Open hours: June to September, Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 14:00, 16:00 to 20:00; October to May, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 14:00, 16:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors, students and children

Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments (Muzej Hrvatskih Arheoloskih Spomenika)

Address: Stjepana Gunjace bb, Meje, Split, Croatia, HR
Tel: +385 021 323 901
The Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments is also right up there with the best of the cultural attractions in Croatia. It focuses on Croatian rulers from the Middle Ages and features altars, period furniture, stone fragments, medieval weaponry and tombstones. There are also a number of photographs, old jewellery and traditional clothing from yesteryear. Although displays are detailed in Croatian only, it is worth the trip nonetheless.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:30 to 16:00, Saturday - 09:30 to 13:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for students and children

Town Museum (Muzej Grada Splita)

Address: Diocletian's Palace, Papaliceva 5, Split, Croatia, HR
Tel: +385 021 341 240
The Town Museum resides in the Papalic Palace of the greater Diocletian's Palace and covers a wide range of topics. There are three storeys to this impressive attraction, loaded with furniture, coats of arms and weaponry from the 1600s. There are also many drawings, documents and coins which go back as far as the 14th century. Captions are unfortunately in Croatian, although there are some multi-language displays which give an overview of the main exhibits, meaning that you can at least gain a basic understanding of what you are actually looking at.
Open hours: May to October, Tuesday to Friday - 09:00 to 21:00; November to April, Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 13:00, Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 12:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for students and children

Ethnographic Museum (Etnografski Muzej)

Address: Narodni Trg 1, Split, Croatia, HR
Tel: +385 021 343 108
The Ethnographic Museum resides in the very city centre and complements the other attractions, although is only really worth popping in if you are passing by. Inside are a series of old photographs showing the city as it once appeared, as well as Croatian costumes and clothing, and exhibits dedicated to past prominent citizens. As with many of the other attractions, the labelling is only in Croatian, which does detract a little.
Open hours: June to September, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 14:00, 17:00 to 20:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 13:00; October to May, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 14:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 13:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for students and children

Croatian Maritime Museum (Hrvatski Pomorski Muzej)

Address: Glagoljaska 18, Split, Croatia, HR
Tel: +385 021 347 788
Featuring a strong nautical flavour, the Croatian Maritime Museum contains an extensive collection of marine-related equipment, naval uniforms, torpedoes, models of ships, military marine memorabilia - including both medals and navigational gear, lighthouse lanterns and similar themed artefacts. The 'Hrvatski Pomorski Muzej' is housed within the historic Gripe Fortress (Glagoljaska), which was built in the 16th century to protect the city from the Ottomans. Outside are some boats and a group of friendly peacocks, who are allowed to wander around freely.
Open hours: May to October, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 21:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00; November to April, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 14:30, Saturday - 09:00 to 13:00
Admission: charge

Science Museum and Zoo (Prirodoslovni Muzej i Zooloski)

Address: Marjan Hill, Split, Croatia, HR
Tel: +385 021
Located on Marjan Hill, the Science Museum and Zoo is most appealing to those visiting the city with young children. The science exhibits are located within an old house and include lots of hands-on activities, while the zoo is really very small, covering less than 2 acres / 0.8 hectares and currently featuring only a handful of native animals. A few years back, the zoo relocated its more exotic creatures, since the conditions were considered no longer suitable.
Open hours: daily - seasonal variations
Admission: charge