Meštrović Gallery

I had visited this gallery few times and also shoot wedding session there. The location itself and the view leaves you speechless! Simply loving it! A must visit location.

Thoroughly enjoyed our visit not really knowing much about the place beforehand or what to expect. The gallery is situated on the outskirts of Split towards Marjan Park in what was the sculptor's summer residence. The building itself is impressive, in large grounds where some exhibits are also displayed. Meštrović produced diverse works, from classical (Persephone, Psyche) to portraits (self portrait, his mother), mood (widow, girl with violin, repose), local themes (Artist of My People) and religious (Head of Christ, Pietas, Job). He used different mediums for the sculptures bronze, marble, wood, and also produced some paintings and drawings. The religious sculpture pieces are particularly expressive, with those depicting Job reflecting his own anguish and suffering during WW2. The entrance fee (12€ June 2024) also includes the Crikvine-Kaštilac permanent exhibition situated 5 minutes walk away from the Gallery, which houses the Large Crucifix sculpture and 28 wooden reliefs. The location is stunning, immediately next to the coast with amazing views out to the Dalmatian islands.

EDIT: I got a refund, a week after complaining, so I am giving 5 stars for the customer service. This art gallery boasts an exceptional location with stunning views, making it a wonderful destination. However, my experience was somewhat marred by the fact that a significant portion of the exhibits has been on loan to a museum in Zagreb for the past four months. As a result, visitors are only able to view half of the collection, yet the admission fee remains at 12 Euros. This was particularly disappointing as many of the key marble statues, which are central to the gallery’s allure, were among the missing pieces. While I would normally rate this gallery with five stars for its full collection, the current offering doesn’t justify the full price. The views alone are worth a visit, but I believe that if the gallery continues to loan out a large portion of its collection, a reduced admission fee would be more appropriate.

Ivan Mestrovic is revered in Croatia and is recognized as a a master sculptor with his works of n display worldwide. This Museum contains many moving and impactful works and is worth a visit. It is a nice escape from the crowded Split Old Town area and a pleasant 30 minute walk to the museum.

The gallery and the sculptures are beautiful, but still a bit of a letdown for the 12€ entrance fee. There is very little background information and the videos linked via QR code on some artworks were in Croatian.

What a great experience, even during a storm. We walked up the hill, via Riva and the sea front, which on a a sunny day may be too taxing for some (take water or a taxi maybe). The grounds had some lovely pieces, and a real tortoise! We climbed the steps and enjoyed seeing more sculptures inside, as well as the rooms and a video about Mestrovic (one clip included him at work). The building itself is worth viewing from outside for the entrance alone. At the admission desk we were also told about the church over the road (about 10 more minutes walk). This was very tranquil. The wood panelling as well as views to the sea from the church made it worth the extra walk. If you have a Split card admission is half price. I do not believe there were toilets or a cafe on site.

Something not to be missed when in Split! Artwork and once a living space of one of the most important croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. Very well maintaned and perfectly organized. Food for soul!

Beautiful location but shame about the scaffolding which spoiled the garden and photos (or maybe new metal sculptures 🤣). And don't forget your student cards otherwise no mercy for the price from the receptionist.