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Croatia Split Split-Dalmatia County Museum

Meštrović Gallery

About

Meštrović Gallery is one of Split’s most inspiring cultural landmarks, set in a serene villa overlooking the Adriatic. Designed by Ivan Meštrović, Croatia’s most celebrated sculptor, the gallery was originally his home and studio. One of the most interesting facts is that Meštrović personally planned the building and gardens, creating a harmonious space where architecture, sculpture, and landscape form a single artistic vision. Inside, visitors encounter an exceptional collection of marble, bronze, and wood sculptures, many of them iconic works from Meštrović’s most creative period. The expressive faces, dynamic poses, and spiritual themes reveal why he was considered one of Europe’s leading sculptors in the early 20th century. The gallery also preserves drawings, architectural plans, and furniture designed by Meštrović, offering insight into his multidisciplinary talent. A highlight is the chapel in the garden, decorated with wooden reliefs depicting scenes from the life of Christ. These carvings show Meštrović’s ability to blend religious symbolism with modern artistic language. The surrounding terraces and cypress-lined paths complete the experience, making the gallery as much an outdoor sanctuary as an indoor museum.

Split Croatia
Meštrović Gallery
Location

The Meštrović Gallery is located in the Meje district of Split, Croatia, on the southern slopes of Marjan hill overlooking the Adriatic. Set in a villa designed and built by Ivan Meštrović between 1931 and 1939, the gallery was once the sculptor’s summer residence and studio. Its position above the sea, surrounded by pine trees and terraced gardens, makes the setting as impressive as the art inside. Just a short walk away are the beaches of Meje and Kasjuni, with clear water and views of nearby islands. Marjan Forest Park begins right behind the gallery, offering pine-shaded paths, lookout points, and small chapels. From here it’s an easy stroll or short drive to Diocletian’s Palace in the historic center, with its Peristyle, Cathedral of St. Domnius, and Roman cellars. The Riva promenade, the Archaeological Museum, and the Split City Museum are also close by. With its coastal location and world-class sculpture, the Meštrović Gallery connects art, architecture, and the Adriatic landscape, making it one of Split’s most distinctive cultural stops.

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