Museum of Broken Relationships: A Captivating Journey Through Love and Loss in Zagreb

Photo credit by MoBR, photo by Ana Opalić
Photo credit by MoBR, photo by Ana Opalić

Tucked away in the charming streets of Zagreb, the Museum of Broken Relationships is no ordinary museum—it’s an emotional rollercoaster, a powerful tribute to love in all its forms. This award-winning cultural gem takes visitors on a deeply personal yet universally relatable journey through stories of passion, heartbreak, resilience, and healing.

Photo credit by MoBR, photo by Nataša Njegovanović
The Museum of Broken Relationships, Photo credit by NAtaša Njegovanović

How Did It All Begin?

It all started with a breakup—but not just any breakup. Croatian artist Dražen Grubišić and film producer Olinka Vištica, after the end of their relationship, found themselves facing a question many have pondered: what to do with the sentimental objects that once symbolized their love? Instead of discarding them, they transformed their heartbreak into an extraordinary concept—a museum where people worldwide could donate relics of their past relationships. It was shown to the public for the first time in 2006, in Glyptotheque Zagreb, as a part of the 41st Zagreb Salon, and finally found its permanent home in Zagreb in 2010.

Photo credit by MoBR, photo by Ana Opalić
Photo credit by MoBR, photo by Ana Opalić

What Awaits You Inside?

Stepping into the Museum of Broken Relationships is like opening a book filled with raw, unfiltered human experiences. Each exhibit carries a story—a simple love letter, a forgotten souvenir, a worn-out T-shirt, or an eccentric memento. Some tales are humorous, some bittersweet, and others heart-wrenching, but all offer a glimpse into the profound connections that define us. The collection constantly evolves as new donations and stories from around the world continue to pour in, ensuring that no two visits are identical.

Photo credit by MoBR, photo by Ana Opalić
Photo credit by MoBR, photo by Ana Opalić

Why Is It Award-Winning?

In 2011, the museum received the prestigious Kenneth Hudson Award for the most innovative museum in Europe, a testament to its ability to transform personal pain into a shared artistic and emotional experience. Its unique concept and powerful storytelling have made it one of the most talked-about museums worldwide.

Photo credit by MoBR, photo by Sanja Bistricic
Photo credit by MoBR, photo by Sanja Bistricic

Why You Should Visit

The Museum of Broken Relationships is more than just a space for lost love—it’s a celebration of human connection, resilience, and the universal experiences that bind us all. Whether you’ve loved and lost or appreciate the power of storytelling, this museum will leave an unforgettable impression.

Ready to dive into a world of emotions? Walk through this extraordinary collection, and who knows—you may even leave behind a piece of your own history or carry someone else’s story with you forever. Don’t just visit Zagreb—feel it.

The Museum of Broken Relationships, Photo credit by Mare Milin
The Museum of Broken Relationships, Photo credit by Mare Milin
Photo credit by MoBR, photo by Ana Opalić
Photo credit by MoBR, photo by Ana Opalić
ABOUT AUTHOR

Andreja Pruša Horvatić

"There are countless beautiful stories proving that what I’ve been doing for the past eight years, with varying levels of enthusiasm is truly meaningful."

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