Museum of Broken Relationships
Grad Zagreb
The Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb, Croatia, is a distinctive cultural institution founded by artists Olinka Vištica and Dražen Grubišić. Originating from a traveling exhibition, it houses a diverse collection of approximately 3,500 personal objects donated by individuals from around the world, each symbolizing a past relationship and accompanied by an anonymous story. Opened permanently in 2010 in Zagreb's Upper Town as the city's first privately owned museum, it invites visitors to explore the emotional narratives behind breakups, transcending cultural and social boundaries. The museum's innovative approach earned it the 2011 Kenneth Hudson Award for European Museum of the Year, recognizing its daring and unique concept. Its exhibits rotate due to space constraints and are supplemented by a virtual web museum allowing global donors to contribute digitally. The museum has toured 68 cities globally and opened a second permanent location in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2024. It is especially popular among foreign tourists and offers a reflective, cathartic experience on the fragility and complexity of human relationships.
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Tip: Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships any day of the week, as it is open seven days, unlike many other museums in Zagreb. It is recommended to check the official website for temporary exhibitions and events to enrich your visit. Purchasing tickets in advance is advisable during peak tourist seasons to avoid queues. The museum offers a unique experience that resonates with a wide audience, so consider allowing at least an hour to explore the exhibits thoughtfully. Group visits and educational programs may be available, so inquire ahead for possible discounts or special arrangements.
Interesting facts
- •The museum won the prestigious Kenneth Hudson Award in 2011 for being Europe's most innovative museum.
- •It has toured 68 cities in 35 countries, including major cultural centers like Tokyo, San Francisco, Berlin, and London.
- •The collection consists of about 3,500 objects donated by people worldwide, each with an anonymous story.
- •More than 30 objects were donated by Berliners alone during the 2007 exhibition in Berlin.
- •The museum is Zagreb's first privately owned museum, opened in 2010.
- •A second permanent location opened in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in November 2024, marking its expansion into Southeast Asia.
History
Founded by former couple Olinka Vištica and Dražen Grubišić after their breakup in 2003, the museum began as a traveling exhibition in 2006 showcasing donated items from failed relationships.
It toured extensively across 68 cities in 35 countries, gathering over 3,500 objects and stories.
After unsuccessful attempts to secure government support for a permanent venue, the founders privately rented a 300-square-meter space in Zagreb's Upper Town, opening the museum in 2010 as the city's first private museum.
In 2011, it received the Kenneth Hudson Award for innovation.
Since then, it has expanded with a second permanent site in Chiang Mai, Thailand, opened in 2024.
Place Guide
Material Remains Exhibit
This core exhibit displays physical objects from broken relationships, each accompanied by dates, locations, and anonymous donor annotations. It offers a tangible connection to personal stories of love and loss.
Virtual Web Museum
An online platform where registered users can upload images and documents related to their own broken relationships. Donors can choose to share their collections publicly, extending the museum's reach digitally.
Contact
Phone: 01 4851 021
