Art Pavilion in Zagreb

"The creation of the Art Pavilion in Zagreb, originally conceived by Croatian painter Vlaho Bukovac in 1895, reflects a significant cultural milestone for the city. This pavilion was conceived in conjunction with the Millennium Exhibition held in Budapest in May 1896, which celebrated 1,000 years of Hungarian statehood. Bukovac, a prominent figure in Croatian art, motivated Croatian artists to present their work at this event. To facilitate their participation, they decided to construct a temporary Pavilion designed with a prefabricated iron skeleton, allowing for easy transport to Zagreb after the exhibition. The Pavilion for the Budapest Exhibition was designed by Hungarian architects Flóris Korb and Kálmán Giergl, and constructed by the Danubius building company. Following the exhibition, the Pavilion's iron skeleton was dismantled and shipped to Zagreb. Austrian architects Fellner & Helmer, known for their work on the Croatian National Theatre, were then commissioned to redesign and adapt the structure. The renovation was executed by the Hönigsberg & Deutsch building company. The building's exterior was adorned with academic-style sculptures, featuring busts of prominent Renaissance painters. The eastern facade includes Giulio Clovio, Andrea Schiavone, and Vittore Carpaccio, while the western facade displays Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian. This decoration highlights the Pavilion’s commitment to celebrating art history. With a display area of 600 square meters, the Pavilion does not maintain a permanent collection but instead focuses on one-off solo and group exhibitions. It showcases works from various periods and styles, featuring both Croatian and international artists. Over the years, the gallery has hosted around 700 exhibitions, including renowned artists such as George Grosz, Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin, Andy Warhol, Joan Miró, and Alberto Giacometti. Recent exhibitions have included retrospectives of artists like Milivoj Uzelac, Gilles Aillaud, Edo Kovačević, Gerhard Richter, and Vilko Gecan. The Pavilion has also featured contemporary artists such as Santiago Sierra and Boris Mikhailov, as well as 19th-century artists like Karl von Piloty, Nikolaos Gyzis, Gabriel von Max, and Franz Stuck. In 2006, the Pavilion underwent a significant renovation, including the replacement of the glass roof and the upgrade of the lighting system. The renovation project, which spanned seven years, was completed in 2013, ensuring that the Pavilion continues to provide a modern and functional space for exhibitions."

"One of the most beautiful buildings in Zagreb and one you cannot miss so its easy to make a quick stop and have a look around. I really enjoyed the way locals used this space."