Mimara Museum

Overview

The Mimara Museum houses one of Zagreb's most eclectic art collections, spanning ancient Egyptian artifacts to Dutch Golden Age paintings. Donated by controversial collector Ante Topić Mimara, it occupies a grand neo-Renaissance palace on Roosevelt Square.

Highlights

• European Masters: Works attributed to Raphael, Velázquez, Rubens, and Renoir.
• Ancient Collection: Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts including glassware and sculptures.
• Architecture: The 1895 neo-Renaissance building is a Lower Town landmark.

History

The museum opened in 1987 based on the private collection of Ante Topić Mimara. While some attributions have been contested, the breadth and ambition of the collection remain impressive. The building was originally a grammar school designed by Ludwig & Hülssner.

Visitor Tips

• Scope: The collection is vast — pick a few sections rather than trying to see everything.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.