Museum of Broken Relationships

The Museum of Broken Relationships (Muzej prekinutih veza) is a completely unusual and touching place located in the heart of Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the entire exhibition is dedicated to real stories of breakups and ended love affairs, told through personal items donated by people from all over the world. This is not just a collection of objects, but rather a collection of testimonies of human emotions and experiences.

Each item in the collection, whether it's a teddy bear, a wedding dress, a mobile phone, or even an axe, is accompanied by a short but often poignant anonymous story or letter. These notes reveal the emotional background of the exhibit, its meaning for the former owners, and the circumstances under which the relationship came to an end. Visitors can read about moments of happiness, pain, hope, and disappointment, making the exhibition deeply personal and universal at the same time.

Initially conceived as an art project, the Museum of Broken Relationships turns personal dramas and disappointments into a collective experience, uniting people around universal themes of love, loss, and healing. It offers a space for reflection and an understanding that even after a breakup, something valuable can remain. The exhibition is constantly updated with new items and stories sent from all corners of the planet, making each visit to the museum unique in its own way and providing an opportunity to contemplate the fragility and strength of human feelings.

For the most up-to-date information on opening hours, ticket prices, and special events at the Museum of Broken Relationships, we recommend visiting its official website. The museum is conveniently located in Zagreb. All the necessary contact details for planning your visit are provided in the table below.

Visiting the Museum of Broken Relationships is, above all, an opportunity to take a leisurely stroll through its halls, carefully examining a wide variety of exhibits. Here you will see objects that were once part of someone's life and love: from plush toys and letters to completely unexpected everyday items symbolizing ended relationships. Each is a silent witness, and each has its own story. These stories, detailed by the former owners, allow you to dive deep into others' experiences, feeling the full spectrum of emotions – from sadness and nostalgia to relief and hope, feeling an emotional connection to strangers.

In addition to viewing the main exhibition, the museum offers more active participation. If you have your own breakup story and an item you are ready to part with, you might consider contributing to the museum's collection by donating your exhibit and story. This is a unique chance to become part of this unusual project. The Museum of Broken Relationships also features a souvenir shop where you can purchase themed gifts and books. Additionally, it's worth checking the event program: the museum often hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, and creative meetings dedicated to themes of love, memory, and overcoming life's challenges.

The Museum of Broken Relationships is very conveniently located in the heart of Zagreb, in its historic area known as the Upper Town. The exact address of the museum is 2 St. Cyril and Methodius Street. If you are in the city center, for example, at the famous Ban Jelačić Square, the museum is easily reachable on foot. Such a walk will take you only 10–15 minutes and will allow you to enjoy the charming atmosphere of the old streets of Zagreb and its architecture.

For those who prefer public transport, getting to the Museum of Broken Relationships is also straightforward. City tram and bus stops are located in the immediate vicinity of the museum. Just a few minutes' walk from the nearest stop, and you are at your destination. This makes the museum easily accessible from various parts of the city, allowing for a quick and comfortable journey to this unique attraction.

If you are planning to travel by car, it is worth noting that the Museum of Broken Relationships is located in the central historic part of Zagreb, where parking spaces can be limited. Although there are municipal parking lots nearby, finding a free spot can be difficult, especially during peak hours. Therefore, to avoid the hassle of searching for parking, it is recommended to use public transport or a taxi, which will take you directly to the museum entrance without any trouble.

The history of the Museum of Broken Relationships, one of Zagreb's most unusual museums, began with the personal experience of two Croatian artists – Olinka Vištica and Dražen Grubišić. After their own breakup, they faced the question of what to do with the items that reminded them of their relationship. This idea grew into a unique art project: from 2006, a traveling exhibition was organized, which toured various cities around the world, collecting stories and exhibits from different corners of the planet.

The museum found its permanent home in the capital of Croatia, Zagreb, in 2010, located at 2 St. Cyril and Methodius Street. The idea proved so fresh and touching that the museum quickly won the hearts of visitors and critical acclaim. One striking piece of evidence of its uniqueness was the prestigious European Kenneth Hudson Award, granted for an innovative approach to museology.

Since its opening, the museum has grown and developed continuously. By 2017, it had been visited by more than 100,000 people, and its collection had grown with exhibits from dozens of countries, each keeping its own unique story of love and loss. The success of the project led to expansion: in 2024, a second permanent branch of the Museum of Broken Relationships opened in Chiang Mai, Thailand, demonstrating the global relevance and universality of its concept.

When planning a visit to the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb, it's worth setting aside about 1-2 hours of your time. This is usually enough to leisurely explore the main exhibition, read the stories accompanying the exhibits, and soak in the atmosphere of this unusual place. Of course, the length of the visit is very individual and depends on your personal interest in the stories presented and how deeply you want to immerse yourself in each one.

If you are the type of visitor who likes to read into every detail, reflect on what you've seen, and share your impressions, you might need a bit more time – up to two hours. The museum offers many touching, funny, and sometimes poignant stories, and there's no need to rush. If you prefer a more general overview, then one hour might be quite enough to get a general idea and feel the unique spirit of the Museum of Broken Relationships.

The Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb is open to visitors daily. According to general information, during the summer season (usually from June 1 to September 30), the museum is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. During the rest of the year (from October 1 to May 31), its doors are open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This unique place welcomes guests year-round.

However, it's important to remember that opening hours may change, especially on public holidays (for example, Christmas, New Year, Easter, All Saints' Day, when the museum may be closed or operate on a shortened schedule). Therefore, before your visit, it is strongly recommended to check the current schedule on the official website of the Museum of Broken Relationships or through other local information channels. Usually, advance ticket booking is not required, but for complete certainty, especially if you plan to visit during the peak season or during special events, it's worth checking this information in advance.

Visiting the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb is a unique experience in itself. However, to make your trip even more fulfilling and complete, it is worth paying attention to the attractions located nearby. Zagreb's Upper Town, where the museum is situated, is the historic heart of Croatia's capital, full of interesting places that are literally just a few steps away.

Exploring the surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the city's atmosphere, see more of its iconic landmarks, and better understand its history and culture. A short walk after an emotionally intense visit to the Museum of Broken Relationships can be a pleasant addition, revealing new facets of charming Zagreb. Below is a list of some nearby attractions with their distance from the museum.