Art Pavilion

The Art Pavilion (Umjetnički Paviljon) stands on King Tomislav Square in Zagreb, directly facing the main railway station, and it is one of the most recognisable buildings in Donji Grad, the Lower Town. It is a large, airy hall painted in warm yellow, with a glass dome and decorative details in the Art Nouveau and Secession spirit, and it has been a home for exhibitions for well over a century. It is often described as the oldest exhibition building in southeastern Europe.

Its history is unusual. The pavilion was designed by the Viennese architectural firm Fellner and Helmer, who also built theatres across Central Europe, and was first built as a prefabricated steel structure for the Millennium Exhibition in Budapest in 1896. When the exhibition ended, the whole structure was taken apart and moved to Zagreb, where it was reassembled and opened in 1898. In that sense it is one of the earliest prefabricated buildings of its size in Europe. A group of Croatian artists had wanted a permanent exhibition hall, and the transferred pavilion gave them one in the middle of the city.

Today the pavilion hosts a changing programme of exhibitions of Croatian and international art, from modern masters to contemporary work and large thematic shows. Its tall halls and generous natural light suit paintings, sculpture and large installations, and visitors can often feel the age of the building in its proportions and details. Over the years, major names in modern art have been shown here, and the exhibitions are usually accompanied by catalogues, talks and guided tours. Details of the current programme, tickets and opening hours change with each show, so check the pavilion's own information before going.

The location is excellent for a day in Zagreb. The pavilion sits at the south end of the Green Horseshoe, the chain of parks and squares in the Lower Town, and the Archaeological Museum, the Croatian National Theatre, the Ethnographic Museum Zagreb and the Glyptotheque are all within walking distance, while the Upper Town, with Lotrščak Tower, the Gric Tunnel and the Church of St. Catherine, is a short walk or funicular ride away. Ban Jelačić Square and the Dolac Market are close, and Bundek Park and Jarun Lake lie further out for a green break.

The pavilion suits art lovers, architecture fans and travellers who arrive at the railway station and want something to see within minutes. A visit takes an hour or two, depending on the show.