The Museum of Broken Relationships is one of Zagreb's most unusual museums, built around personal objects donated after friendships, romances, marriages and other relationships came to an end. Each object is displayed together with the anonymous story that gives an otherwise ordinary possession its emotional meaning.
Located in Zagreb's historic Upper Town, the museum is compact enough to fit easily into a day of sightseeing but distinctive enough to be a destination in its own right. Most visitors should allow around 45 to 90 minutes, depending on how many of the stories they stop to read.
What is the Museum of Broken Relationships?
The Museum of Broken Relationships began as an artistic project created by Olinka Vištica and Dražen Grubišić after their own relationship ended. Instead of simply discarding the objects left behind after a breakup, they developed the idea of collecting possessions that represented failed or changed relationships and pairing them with the stories behind them.
The project began as a travelling exhibition in 2006 before establishing a permanent home in Zagreb in 2010. The collection has continued to grow through contributions from people around the world, while travelling exhibitions have taken the concept to numerous international destinations.
In 2011, the museum received the Kenneth Hudson Award as part of the European Museum of the Year Awards, recognising its innovative approach to what a museum can collect and communicate.
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What do you see inside?
This is not a conventional art or history museum. The collection is made up of everyday objects that once belonged to real relationships: clothing, gifts, household items, letters, toys, souvenirs and objects whose significance would be impossible to guess without reading the accompanying text.
Each exhibit is connected to a personal account contributed by its donor. Stories can be funny, affectionate, bitter, strange, painful or unexpectedly ordinary. Some describe romantic breakups, while others deal with family relationships, friendships, loss and separation more broadly.
The objects themselves are often simple. The experience comes from discovering why a particular item mattered to the person who donated it.
The collection continues to evolve, and not every donated object is permanently displayed. This means repeat visits can differ as exhibits and temporary projects change.
Is the Museum of Broken Relationships worth visiting?
Yes, particularly if you enjoy unusual, story-driven museums rather than traditional collections of paintings, archaeology or historic objects.
The museum works best when you take time to read the stories. Visitors who move quickly from object to object without reading the accompanying texts may find the collection surprisingly small, because the narratives are the central part of the experience.
It is also a good choice when Zagreb's weather is poor, and its Upper Town location makes it easy to combine with several of the city's most important historic attractions.
How long do you need at the Museum of Broken Relationships?
Allow roughly 45 to 90 minutes for a typical visit.
You can see the physical exhibition fairly quickly, but visitors who read most of the stories will naturally spend longer. If the museum is busy or you also want time for the café and shop, allow up to two hours.
Because the museum is compact, it fits easily into a half-day exploring Zagreb's Upper Town.
Museum of Broken Relationships tickets
Current admission prices are:
- Adults: €9
- Students and pupils: €7
- Visitors aged 65+: €7
- People with disabilities: €7
- Groups of 15 or more: €7 per person
Large groups should arrange their visit with the museum in advance. Ticket prices can change, so check the official museum website if admission cost is important to your plans.
Museum of Broken Relationships opening hours
The museum currently operates different seasonal hours:
- 1 June to 30 September: 09:00–22:00, with last entry at 21:30
- 1 October to 31 May: 09:00–21:00, with last entry at 20:30
The museum closes on several public holidays, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Easter and All Saints' Day. New Year's Eve normally has reduced opening hours.
If you are visiting on a major holiday, check the current schedule before travelling to the Upper Town.
Languages inside the museum
The main exhibition texts are presented in Croatian and English.
Translation booklets are also available in several additional languages, including German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Ukrainian and Russian.
This makes the museum particularly easy to visit independently without needing a guided tour.
Brokenships Café and museum shop
The museum also includes the Brokenships Café and a museum shop. You do not need to treat either as part of the timed exhibition visit, so they can be useful before or after exploring the collection.
The shop continues the museum's distinctive theme through books, souvenirs and design items, while the café provides a convenient break during an Upper Town sightseeing itinerary.
Can you donate an object to the museum?
Yes. The Museum of Broken Relationships continues to build its collection through contributions from the public.
People can share a relationship story digitally or submit an object together with the story connected to it. Donation does not necessarily mean that the item will immediately become part of the permanent Zagreb exhibition, as the museum curates objects for different exhibitions and projects.
How to get to the Museum of Broken Relationships
The museum is located at Ćirilometodska 2 in Zagreb's Upper Town, inside the historic Kulmer Palace.
Walking from Ban Jelačić Square
The museum is easily reached on foot from Ban Jelačić Square. Walk towards the Upper Town through the historic streets leading to Gradec and St Mark's Square.
Using the Zagreb Funicular
A more memorable option is the Zagreb Funicular. The upper station is beside Lotrščak Tower and the Strossmayer Promenade, only a short walk from the museum.
The funicular is particularly useful if you want to avoid part of the steep climb from Zagreb's Lower Town.
What to see near the Museum of Broken Relationships
The museum's Upper Town location makes it easy to combine with several Zagreb attractions without additional transport.
- Lotrščak Tower: close to the upper funicular station and one of Zagreb's best-known Upper Town landmarks.
- Strossmayer Promenade: an easy place for views over Zagreb's Lower Town.
- St Mark's Square: the historic and political centre of the Upper Town.
- Zagreb Funicular: the historic 66-metre connection between the Lower and Upper Town.
- Historic Gradec streets: ideal for exploring on foot before continuing downhill towards the city centre.
A visit to the museum therefore works particularly well as part of a two- or three-hour Upper Town walk rather than as a standalone trip across the city.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb?
Adult admission is currently €9, while students, pupils, visitors aged 65+, people with disabilities and qualifying groups pay €7.
How long does the Museum of Broken Relationships take?
Most visitors should allow around 45 to 90 minutes. The visit can take longer if you read nearly every story or spend time in the café and museum shop.
Is the Museum of Broken Relationships open on Mondays?
Yes. The museum normally opens every day, including Mondays, although it closes on several major public holidays.
Are the stories in the museum real?
Yes. The collection is based on real objects and personal stories contributed by people from around the world.
Is the Museum of Broken Relationships suitable for children?
Children can visit, but the museum is primarily aimed at older visitors because much of the experience depends on reading and understanding personal stories about relationships, separation and loss.
Can I donate something to the Museum of Broken Relationships?
Yes. The museum accepts contributions of relationship stories and physical objects, although submitted items are curated and may not necessarily appear in the permanent Zagreb exhibition.
Working Hours
June–September: 09:00–22:00
October–May: 09:00–21:00
Features
Story-driven museum, Upper Town location, Brokenships Café, Museum shop, Multilingual visitor materials
Address & contact details
Street: Ćirilometodska ul. 2
Postcode: 10000
City: Zagreb
Web: Museum of Broken Relationships