Sculpture Gardens
Why don't we visit some of the "sculpture gardens" of Zagreb together? Whether you're an art enthusiast or you adore city discoveries, this article might add some spots to your Zagreb bucket list.
Our first idea makes two, as the Academy of Fine Arts has gardens full of curious sculptures at two locations - a more traditional one on Ilica Street and an unusual one on Jabukovac Street.
A detail from the sculpture of Dora Krupićeva by Ivo Kerdić in the yard of the Academy of Fine Arts in Ilica Street.
The locals will immediately recognise the key from the photo above as a part of the statue of Juliet of Zagreb, a book character called Dora Krupićeva. The heart will remind them of her tragic love tale, and the key of her father, who was in charge of safeguarding the city gate in the Goldsmith's Treasure novel. However, the locals would be confused by the greenery behind it, as they are accustomed to seeing the sculpture by the Stone Gate. Not everyone knows its twin statue is hidden in the garden of the Academy.
More surprises await around the other Academy building, including a statue of Pablo Picasso by Ivan Sabolić. The same statue, in the city of Osijek, is known to be the only representation of Picasso outside of Spain. It turns out that it's not the only one, as another example is hidden on a picturesque hill in Zagreb.
The forest trail near the Academy building hides this art piece by the world known street artist Lonac. Don’t be disappointed to find the artwork faded compared to this old photo. It still makes a rewarding discovery.
Vrhovac Street, on another one of the Zagreb hills, hosts an otherworldly spectacle of contemporary art by Vjenceslav Richter. Don't limit yourself to just the garden; visit the interior, too. Why go all the way to MOMA or the Tate Gallery, when you can find most of the artists' works right here in Zagreb? One of the reasons the Richter spouses donated their collection was to help expand cultural spaces beyond the narrow city centre. It's only fair to honour their wish and leave the usual tourist routes to see this special place.
The magnificent structures in the Richter collection garden.
If you like themed sculpture parks, you will love the monuments of famous musicians in the Rock'n'Roll park. The artist is a well-known Croatian rock musician himself, Boris Leiner.
Everybody knows who Jimmy Hendrix is, but the Rock’n’Roll park will introduce you to the Croatian rock history, as well. Photo: The Beertija Facebook Page.
It's time to move to the eastern part of town for some green bathing with a touch of art. How about a walk through a special complex called Grad mladih, the city of youth? Several artistic colonies took place there in the eighties, resulting in an art collection of around 150 pieces, including many sculptures. The latter were placed around the park.
Photo description Ivan and Josip Cikač: The mother and the child.
Not far from the city of youth, there lies another artistic treasure. The forest of Dotrščina. The art pieces are a constant reminder of the forest's dark history. During WWII, those woods were still outside of the city, which is why the fascists used them for wartime executions. The memory of the tragic death of more than 7000 people is guarded by several monuments spread out through the forest, giant tear-shaped sculptures by Vojin Bakić being the most recognisable ones.
Photo description: The skies and the nature mirroring in one of the sculptures of the Dotrščina forest.
The memories of those who are no longer with us often inspire art. That's why this list wouldn't be complete without the historical cemetery of Mirogoj. Some of Croatia's finest sculptors were hired to create memorials for the deceased, making a stroll through the cemetery akin to a stroll through an art gallery.
Photo description: Vanja Radauš and Josip Turkalj: The monument to the fallen Croatian soldiers of WWI.
The most playful sculptures are located on the north bank of the River Sava. They're bound to make you smile. If you went as far as to the banks of the river, then it's only fair to cross it and reach the grounds of the Zagreb fair. Another location enriched by many sculptures.
Photo description: Can you beat The Runner (Trkač in Croatian) by Marija Ujević Galetović?
Photo description: The grounds of the Zagreb fair are filled with sculptures.
Even if you plan to visit all of these places, there is one that should be the most obvious choice, but is currently out of reach due to renovation: Glyptotheque - a museum of sculptures with its sculpture garden.
Which one of these locations will be your choice when you visit Zagreb? Enjoy sculptouring Zagreb!
Photo description: The recognisable eerie style of the artist Valerije Michieli in the Gliptotheque garden. Photo: gliptoteka.hazu.hr
Photo credit: Iva Silla
Author: Iva Silla