The City as a Gallery: Meštrović in Zagreb

A walk through Zagreb is more than a journey towards a destination; it is also a tour of an open-air art gallery which among others holds priceless heritage of the world-famous sculptor and architect, Ivan Meštrović.

Although the works of Croatian sculptor and architect Ivan Meštrović (1883-1962) can be found in many museums, galleries and public spaces around the world, the majority is located in his home, Croatia and in Zagreb to which he gave his valuable heritage via a deed of donation. Every walk through the centre of Zagreb is at the same time a chance to enjoy the works of this artist who lived in Croatia and in the US, where he passed away,

His artistic signature is visible in the Well of Life located in front of the Croatian National Theatre, in the monument to inventor Nikola Tesla, the monuments dedicated to the renowned Bishop of Đakovo and representative of Enlightenment ideas Josip Juraj Strossmayer, to scientist Ruđer Bošković and others.

Meštrović is also the designer of one of the architectural symbols of Zagreb, the Home of Croatian Artists, which is frequently referred to as the Meštrović Pavilion by citizens of Zagreb as homage to the author. His religious pieces were created in the Church of Christ the King in Trnje and in the famous Upper Town parochial St. Mark’s Church, which hosts several sculptures and a relief.

The Meštrović Atelier is located in Zagreb’s Upper Town. It is an exhibition venue with a contemporary concept set in the artist’s atelier and in the residential area which was preserved in its original form. This authentic area contains works created in the first four decades of Meštrović’ activity, ranging from early pieces created when he was a student to those made right before his departure from Zagreb in 1942.