MOMAD Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik

Located in one of the most beautiful corners of the Adriatic, the Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik (MoMAD) is a unique blend of architectural grandeur and artistic avant-garde. It is the leading cultural institution in Dubrovnik, housed in a luxurious mansion built in the Neo-Renaissance style in the late 1930s. The building itself is a work of art, reminiscent of the classical palaces for which Croatia is famous.

Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The museum boasts an impressive collection of approximately 3,000 exhibits. It features works spanning from the late 19th century to the present day: from classical painting and sculpture to contemporary video installations. Walking through its nine spacious halls, guests can trace the evolution of Croatian art and discover the creations of world-renowned masters whose lives were intertwined with this region.

One of the museum's most captivating features is its spacious terraces and gardens. These open-air platforms offer what is arguably one of the best views of the Old Town and Lokrum Island. It is a place where modern aesthetics meet centuries-old history, creating the perfect atmosphere for inspiration and relaxation.

To check current information about exhibitions or for event inquiries, you can contact the museum administration directly. The Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik is open for communication and provides several ways to get in touch.

Within the museum's halls, visitors will encounter masterpieces of Croatian Modernism. You can see works by such outstanding masters as Vlaho Bukovac and Mato Celestin Medović. The permanent exhibition is thoughtfully spread across three floors and includes not only paintings but also expressive sculptures, graphics, and contemporary installations reflecting the spirit of current art in South-Eastern Europe.

Special attention should be paid to the open-air areas. Sculptures by famous artists, such as Ivan Meštrović, are installed on the museum's balconies and terraces. This is an ideal space for taking stunning photographs: the building's white stone and contemporary art objects look spectacular against the backdrop of the bright blue Adriatic and the terracotta roofs of the Old Town.

After exploring the exhibitions, stop by the museum shop, where you can purchase unique souvenirs, art books, and products by Croatian designers. If you are traveling with a Dubrovnik Pass, be sure to take advantage of the free entry, making your cultural immersion even more enjoyable.

The museum is located at Ul. Frana Supila 23, in the picturesque Ploče district. Getting here is very easy: the building is just a 5-minute walk from the eastern entrance to the Old Town—the famous Ploče Gate. A walk along the coast past Banje Beach will be a pleasure in itself thanks to the beautiful seascapes.

If you plan to use public transport, choose bus lines 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, or 6, which stop near Banje Beach. For those arriving from the cruise ship port, the journey will take about 10–15 minutes on foot through the historical center, or you can use a local taxi or Uber.

Travelers arriving from Dubrovnik Airport, located 25 km from the city, can most conveniently reach the museum by special shuttle or taxi (the journey takes 30–40 minutes). Please note that parking near the museum is very limited, so during the peak tourist season, it is recommended to prioritize walking or taking the bus.

The history of the Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik (MoMAD) began in 1945. It was originally located in the Cerva-Pozza Palace but moved to its current magnificent building in 1948. This mansion, known as Villa Banac, was built between 1935 and 1939 for a wealthy shipowner. Today, the building itself is recognized as a cultural monument and is considered one of the finest examples of architecture of its time.

The project was designed by prominent Croatian architects Lavoslav Horvat and Harold Bilinić. They created a unique look for the residence in the Neo-Renaissance style with Gothic elements, drawing inspiration from masterpieces such as the Rector's Palace and Sponza Palace. The building harmoniously combines monumentality and grace, while the use of stone and spacious terraces makes it an integral part of the coastal landscape.

Over the decades of its existence, the museum has gathered an impressive collection, formed through gifts from collectors and acquisitions from leading masters. The main focus has always been on artists from the Dubrovnik region and Croatian Modernism. In recent years, MoMAD has expanded its horizons by taking over additional exhibition spaces in St. John's Fortress and the Old Town, thereby confirming its status as the premier art center of Southern Dalmatia.

To leisurely explore all nine exhibition halls and get acquainted with the main collection, most visitors need between 1 and 1.5 hours. If you are a deep art lover and plan to study the temporary exhibitions in detail, allow a bit more time for your visit.

Be sure to leave about 20–30 minutes to visit the museum's open terraces. The panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea and the towers of the Old Town is so captivating that it is easy to lose track of time while enjoying the sea breeze and silence away from the noisy tourist paths. Thus, the total visiting time will be around 2 hours.

When planning your visit, please note that the museum is closed on Mondays. At all other times, the gallery's doors are open to visitors until evening, allowing you to enjoy the art after your main walk through the city.

Opening Hours:
• Tuesday – Sunday: 09:00 – 20:00
• Monday: Closed

The museum's location in the Ploče district allows tourists to easily combine modern art with the city's main historical landmarks. A walk from the museum to the city center will reveal the majesty of ancient walls and the charm of old harbors.

Exploring the surroundings will enrich your experience, allowing you to switch from avant-garde installations to the centuries-old history of the Adriatic. Below is a list of interesting places within walking distance: