Archaeological Museum

Overview

The Archaeological Museum in Zagreb holds over 450,000 artifacts documenting Croatian and broader European prehistory through the medieval period. Its star exhibit is the Vučedol Dove, a 4,500-year-old ceramic vessel that has become a symbol of Croatian cultural heritage.

Highlights

• Vučedol Dove: The iconic ceramic bird from the Vučedol Culture (c. 2500 BCE) is Croatia's most famous archaeological artifact.
• Zagreb Mummy: An Egyptian mummy wrapped in the longest known Etruscan text (the Liber Linteus).
• Numismatic Collection: One of the largest coin collections in southeast Europe.

History

Founded in 1846, it is one of Croatia's oldest museums. The collection grew through archaeological excavations across Croatia and strategic acquisitions. The Egyptian collection, including the famous Zagreb Mummy, arrived through 19th-century donations.

Visitor Tips

• Must-See: Don't miss the Vučedol Dove and the Zagreb Mummy with the Etruscan linen wrappings.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.