Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Rijeka (MMSU) is one of Croatia’s most forward‑looking cultural institutions, housed in the revitalised Benčić complex — a former industrial zone transformed into a creative district. Founded in 1948, the museum has long been a champion of avant‑garde movements, experimental art, and the city’s famously bold cultural identity. Its relocation to the spacious new venue has allowed MMSU to expand its exhibitions, installations, and public programmes. Inside, visitors encounter a mix of permanent displays and rotating exhibitions that explore themes such as urban life, social change, industrial heritage, and alternative culture. MMSU is known for showcasing pioneering Croatian artists alongside international names, often through multimedia installations, video art, and large‑scale conceptual works. The building’s industrial past remains visible in exposed brick, steel beams, and wide open halls that give contemporary art room to breathe. One of the museum’s most interesting aspects is its focus on Rijeka’s countercultural history — punk, experimental theatre, and radical design — offering a vivid sense of the city’s rebellious spirit.