Croatian Museum of Naïve Art

About

The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art in Zagreb is the world’s first museum dedicated exclusively to naïve art, showcasing works by self-taught artists who developed distinctive, emotionally resonant styles outside academic traditions. Founded in 1952 and housed in the 18th-century Raffay Palace in the city’s Upper Town, the museum holds a collection of over 1,900 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints. The core of the collection features Croatian masters of the Hlebine School, such as Ivan Generalić, Ivan Rabuzin, and Mijo Kovačić, whose vivid, dreamlike imagery captures rural life, folklore, and personal visions. The museum also includes works by international naïve artists, offering a global perspective on this expressive genre. Though compact in size, the museum’s rotating exhibitions highlight the depth and diversity of naïve art, making it a must-visit for those seeking an intimate and thought-provoking cultural experience in Zagreb’s historic center.

Zagreb Croatia

Location

The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art is located at Sv. Ćirila i Metoda 3 in Zagreb’s historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad), housed in the elegant 18th-century Raffay Palace. This museum is renowned as the world’s first institution dedicated exclusively to naïve art, showcasing a collection of over 1,900 works including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints. The exhibits focus primarily on Croatian naïve artists, especially those from the influential Hlebine School, featuring masters like Ivan Generalić, Franjo Mraz, and Ivan Lacković Croata, whose colorful and emotive works span from the 1930s through the late 20th century. Situated just opposite the Museum of Broken Relationships and near the iconic St. Mark’s Church, the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art benefits from its prime location in a culturally rich neighborhood. Visitors can easily explore nearby landmarks such as the Stone Gate and the Croatian Parliament building, as well as enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Tkalčićeva Street, known for its lively cafes and boutiques. The museum is also accessible via the city’s shortest funicular railway, which connects the Upper Town with the Lower Town, making it convenient to combine a visit with other key attractions in Zagreb’s historic core.