Bol Art Gallery (Galerija Bol)

The Bol Art Gallery, officially the Branislav Dešković Gallery, is a cultural venue in the town of Bol, on the southern shore of the island of Brač, in central Dalmatia. It stands on Ulica Bolskih Pomoraca, close to the waterfront and the Church of Our Lady of Carmel, and it occupies a restored 17th-century palace in the Renaissance-Baroque style, built of the white limestone for which Brač is famous. The building is itself a monument, with thick walls, stone arches and a fine, balanced façade, and it is one of the most elegant historic houses in the town. The use of local stone links it to the island's long tradition of quarrying and carving, since Brač stone was used in Diocletian's Palace in Split and in many other major buildings.

The gallery is named after Branislav Dešković, who lived from 1883 to 1939 and was one of the pioneering modern Croatian sculptors. He is known for his animal sculptures, which capture the movement and character of creatures with a fresh, almost impressionistic treatment of surface and light, and he is sometimes described as the first impressionist of Croatian sculpture. He had a close connection with Bol and the island, and the gallery honours his legacy, though it does not keep a fixed permanent collection of his work. Instead, it is run by the local cultural centre and hosts a rotating programme of exhibitions of contemporary Croatian and international artists, with solo and group shows of painting, sculpture, photography and other media.

A distinctive feature of the programme is its attention to artists with a link to the island of Brač, whether born here, living here or inspired by its landscape. This gives the gallery a connection with the community and a character of its own. The exhibitions occupy three floors of the palace, so there is room for diverse displays, and the rooms, with their stone walls and wooden floors, make an interesting setting for modern art. Summer is the busiest season, with many openings and events, including concerts, talks and festivals, and visitors can often meet the artists. The gallery is a quiet retreat from the busy beaches of Bol, a place where one can spend an hour in cool rooms looking at art.

Admission and opening hours vary depending on the exhibitions and the season, so it is wise to check the notice at the door or ask at the tourist office before going. The gallery is easy to reach on foot from anywhere in town, and it is close to the waterfront promenade, the old town and the Dominican monastery. Bol is also known for Zlatni Rat, the Golden Horn beach, the Vidova Gora mountain with its panoramic views, the Bol Olive Grove Trail and the upper village of Gornja Sela.

The gallery suits art lovers, culture seekers and travellers who want a rainy-day activity. Allow about an hour, and combine it with a walk along the seafront.