The Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters houses a high-quality collection of fine-art paintings in the delightful setting of an elegant 19th-century palace. With works from Italian, French, Spanish, Northern European and native Croatian artists, there is much to see. Admire the museum’s holdings, which include works by renowned artists such as Tintoretto and Brueghel the Younger.
The museum’s original collection was an 1884 gift to the city from Bishop Strossmayer, a Catholic bishop and influential politician. Look in the churchyard park to see a statue of its benefactor, which was sculpted by renowned artist Ivan Meštrović. Since Strossmayer’s original donation, the collections have been bolstered by further donations. Today, they are comprised of about 4,000 paintings, sculptures and other objects. Visit the exhibits and you’ll find 200 or so pieces on display.
Before entering the gallery, inspect the building in which it’s housed. Built in the style of a Viennese neo-Renaissance palace, the construction was overseen by the bishop. It was built to house the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, which is still located here today.
Inside, make your way through the intimate gallery rooms on the upper floors, each devoted to a different European region. The museum is usually fairly quiet so you’ll have plenty of time to ponder what you see. Marvel at the mastery of the Italian artists such as Bellini and Angelico. Continue on to examine the works of Flemish, Dutch and German painters. French and native Croatian artists are also represented.
Investigate the interior courtyard, where you’ll find the inscribed 12th-century Baška Slab. Hailing from the Croatian island of Krk, this stone is thought to have one of the oldest examples of Glagolitic script. The Glagolitic alphabet is the oldest-known Slavic alphabet.
The Stossmayer Gallery of Old Masters is housed on the top floor of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts. There is little in the way of signage for the displays, but don’t let that deter you. What you’ll find inside is worth seeking. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and has a small entrance fee. The nearest tram station is Zrinjevac.
