Split, a city located on the Adriatic coast, is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. One of the best ways to explore this city is by visiting its museums, which offer a unique insight into its past and present. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most popular museums in Split and what makes them special.
The Archaeological Museum in Split is the oldest museum in Croatia, founded in 1820. Located at Zrinsko-Frankopanska 25, it houses an impressive collection of about 150,000 archaeological artifacts dating from various periods, from prehistory to the early Middle Ages. Here, you can discover Roman artifacts, Greek ornaments, and much more.
The Croatian Maritime Museum, established in 1997, showcases the maritime heritage of the Croatian coast. Situated in the impressive Gripe Fortress, a 17th-century bastion fortification, the museum exhibits ships as cultural heritage of the Croatian people and was the first in Croatia to protect ships as cultural goods. The courtyard features the impressive bow section of the steamship Bakar from 1931.
The Gallery of Fine Arts in Split is a place where art enthusiasts will find their haven. It houses a diverse collection of Croatian and international artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. The gallery presents the evolution of artistic expression over the centuries.
The Ethnographic Museum in Split, founded in 1910, was the first ethnographic museum in Croatia. It features traditional costumes, handicrafts, and cultural artifacts that tell the story of the diversity of Croatian culture. The museum presents two ethnographic zones: the Dinaric and the Adriatic.
The Split City Museum is located in the Gothic-Renaissance Papalić Palace, in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace. Here, you can find exhibitions that chronologically depict the history of Split from prehistory to the 20th century. The museum is spread across five locations, making it unique in its kind.
The Ivan Meštrović Gallery, situated on the southern slopes of Marjan Hill, showcases the works of the famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović. Here, you can find some of his most notable works, and the gallery offers a stunning view of the sea and surrounding islands.
The Museum of Illusions in Split offers a unique experience for everyone who wants to explore the fascinating world of illusions. Here, you can experience hypnotic installations that will amaze you with their visual and sensory dimensions.
The Game of Thrones Museum, located in the center of Split, offers fans of the series a unique opportunity to get acquainted with costumes, weapons, and other props from this popular series. The museum is particularly interesting because Split was one of the filming locations.
Selfie Experience Split – A New Hit for the Instagram Generation!
This interactive selfie museum, opened in mid-July 2025, is located at Gundulićeva 26A (in the basement of the Dalma department store) and features over 30 themed rooms, including an infinity room, an upside-down room, a Vespa setup with a Split city backdrop, and many more creative installations. Visitors can use a variety of costumes and props provided on-site to create fun, photogenic content.
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Split is a city that offers rich cultural and historical content, and its museums are the perfect place to learn about its past and present. From archaeological monuments to modern illusions, there’s something for everyone here.
06.05.2025.
