Gallery of Old and Contemporary Masters

Located in the elegant Sermage Palace, the Gallery of Old and Contemporary Masters is one of Varaždin’s most refined cultural spaces. Its collection bridges centuries, offering visitors a dialogue between historic European art and modern Croatian creativity. The palace’s Baroque architecture adds atmosphere, turning each room into a stage where artworks feel both intimate and monumental. Inside, the gallery’s core is its collection of Old Masters. Portraits, religious scenes, and still lifes from the 17th and 18th centuries reveal the tastes of Varaždin’s noble families, who once commissioned these works to decorate their salons. Among the most interesting pieces are richly coloured Baroque canvases that show the influence of Venetian and Central European schools. The Contemporary Masters section brings a vibrant contrast. Here you’ll find works by leading Croatian artists—abstract compositions, expressive figurative pieces, and experimental techniques that highlight the evolution of national art in the 20th century. Temporary exhibitions frequently rotate, introducing new themes and emerging artists.