15 Weird Museums in Zagreb: From Broken Hearts to Hangovers
- Natalija Ugrina
- 3 days ago
- 10 min read
Looking for weird museums in Zagreb? You're in for a treat! Even though Zagreb is worldwide known for its Advent Christmas market, many people don't know this Croatian capital is home to some of the world's most unusual and quirky museums. From the world's first Museum of Broken Relationships to the original Hangover Museum, the weird museums in Zagreb have pioneered concepts that have been copied across the globe.
I've visited my share of weird museums around the world—from the Plate Museum in El Salvador to the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters in Florida to the Hair Museum in Turkey—and I can confidently say Zagreb's collection of quirky attractions stands out. I've explored these unusual spaces myself, and trust me, Zagreb's museum scene is unlike anywhere else in Europe.
Here are the 15 most weird museums in Zagreb you need to visit.
1. Museum of Broken Relationships (World's First)
Address: Ćirilometodska 2, 10000 Zagreb Website: brokenships.com
The Museum of Broken Relationships is Zagreb's most famous quirky attraction, and for good reason—it was the world's first museum dedicated to failed love stories. Opened in 2010, this crowd-sourced collection features donated objects from broken relationships, each accompanied by a heartbreaking (or sometimes hilarious) story.
Walking through the exhibits, I was struck by how universal heartbreak is. From an axe used to chop up an ex's furniture to love letters that were never sent, every object tells a deeply personal story. The museum has since opened locations worldwide, but the original Zagreb location remains the most authentic and moving.
Why It Resonates: Each donated item carries raw emotion—you'll find yourself reading every story card, connecting with strangers' experiences of love and loss.
2. Museum of Hangovers (World's First)
Address: Vlaška 55, 10000 Zagreb Website: museumofhangovers.com
Yes, you read that right—the world's first museum dedicated to hangovers opened in Zagreb in 2019. This interactive museum celebrates (and gently mocks) the morning-after experience with drunk-effect simulators, wild lost-and-found stories, and responsible drinking education.
I had an absolute blast trying the drunk driving simulator and reading hilarious hangover confessions from visitors around the world. The museum strikes the perfect balance between fun and educational, reminding you why moderation matters while making you laugh at humanity's collective poor decisions. And yes, you can actually have a beer or rakija during your visit—talk about staying on theme!
Insider Tip: They're open until 10 PM, making it a perfect evening activity after exploring the city.
3. Museum of Illusions (World's First)
Address: Ilica 72, 10000 Zagreb Website: muzejiluzija.com
The Museum of Illusions started right here in Zagreb in 2015 and has since become a global phenomenon with locations in over 40 cities. This mind-bending museum features optical illusions, holograms, and interactive exhibits that challenge your perception of reality.
I spent way longer than expected trying to figure out how each illusion worked. From the Vortex Tunnel that makes you lose your balance to the Ames Room where people appear to shrink and grow, every exhibit is designed to mess with your brain in the best way possible.
Photo Opportunity: The Anti-Gravity Room creates incredible Instagram-worthy shots where you appear to defy physics.
4. Travel Experience Museum (World's First)
Address: Ilica 1 (Neboder Passage), 10000 Zagreb
Opened in 2024, the Travel Experience Museum is the world's first interactive museum dedicated to the art of travel itself. Located in the vibrant Neboder Passage, this brand-new museum uses multimedia projections, digital installations, and immersive environments to transport you to destinations around the world.
I had some hard time finding it as it's inside a passage of the building—keep your eyes open! It was much smaller than I thought, but there are some cool installations that take you through the history of travel. From desert projections to rainforest soundscapes, the museum captures the essence of exploration without leaving Zagreb. It's a celebration of wanderlust that resonates deeply with anyone who loves discovering new places.
Why It's Special: This museum pioneered the concept of making travel itself the exhibit, not just destinations.
5. HaHaHouse (World's First Museum of Laughter)
Address: Gajeva 7/1, 10000 Zagreb Website: haha.house
HaHaHouse is the world's first museum dedicated entirely to laughter, and it lives up to its name. Opened on International Laughter Day, this interactive space is designed to make you smile, giggle, and belly-laugh through every room.
The fun starts the moment you arrive—you enter the museum by jumping through a washing machine! This was probably one of my favorite museums! I had a lot of fun, and it's perfect for adults but also children. Every corner of this museum is crafted to spark joy—from funny mirrors to comedy exhibits and interactive installations. I found myself genuinely laughing out loud, which is exactly the point. In a world that takes itself too seriously, HaHaHouse is a refreshing reminder to find humor in everyday life.
Visitor Info: Open daily 9 AM–9 PM, perfect for a mood boost any time of day.
6. Croatian Museum of Naïve Art (World's First - 1952)
Address: Sv. Ćirila i Metoda 3, 10000 Zagreb Website: hmnu.hr
Founded in 1952, the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art is the oldest "world's first" museum on this list and the first museum in the world dedicated to naïve art. This small but powerful museum showcases vibrant folk art created by self-taught Croatian masters.
The paintings are colorful, emotional, and deeply rooted in Croatian rural life. Walking through the galleries, I was captivated by the raw talent and storytelling in each piece. These artists had no formal training, yet their work is celebrated globally.
Why It Matters: This museum pioneered the recognition of naïve art as a legitimate and valuable art form.
7. Cravaticum (World's First Cravat Museum - 2024)
Address: Opatička ulica 2, 10000 ZagrebWebsite: cravaticum.com
Did you know the necktie originated in Croatia? Cravaticum, opened in 2024, is the world's first museum dedicated to the cravat (necktie). This boutique museum tells the fascinating story of how Croatian soldiers in the 17th century inspired a global fashion trend.
The exhibits are modern, interactive, and surprisingly engaging. I learned about the romantic origins of the tie, its evolution through history, and its future in fashion. They even have the first bulletproof tie in the world on display! There's a hands-on section where you can learn to tie a proper necktie—I tried and completely failed, but it was hilarious! The museum also has a café inside where you can sip coffee surrounded by tie history—perfect for relaxing after exploring the exhibits.
Fun Fact: The word "cravat" comes from "Croat"—the tie is literally named after Croatia!
8. Zagreb 80's Museum
Address: Radićeva 34 (1st floor), 10000 Zagreb Website: zagreb80.com
Step into a time capsule at the Zagreb 80's Museum, a fully interactive apartment frozen in the 1980s. This hands-on museum lets you touch, try, and experience what life was like in Yugoslavia during this unique decade.
I loved exploring the retro furniture, flipping through old magazines, and playing with vintage toys. Everything is authentic, from the wallpaper to the kitchen appliances. It's nostalgic even if you didn't grow up in the 80s.
If you're a fan of 80s music culture, there's also the New Wave Museum nearby that celebrates the iconic music movement that defined the era—another quirky stop for music lovers!
Visitor Tip: Open daily 11 AM–10 PM. Tickets are around €5.50, making it an affordable and fun experience.
9. Museum of Lost Tales
Address: Ilica 26, 10000 Zagreb Website: muzejprica.com
The Museum of Lost Tales is a magical space dedicated to Croatian folktales, myths, and legends that have been passed down through generations. This "House of Wonders" uses multimedia storytelling to bring forgotten stories back to life.
Walking through the dimly lit rooms, I felt like entering Tim Burton's world—it's that atmospheric and enchanting. I didn't know there were so many tales in Croatia! The museum blends technology with traditional storytelling in a way that's both educational and captivating. It's perfect for anyone who loves folklore and mysterious narratives.
Why Visit: It's a celebration of Croatia's rich oral heritage that most tourists never hear about.
10. House of Cartoons Oto Reisinger
Address: Ulica Pavla Radića 44a, 10000 Zagreb Website: otoreisinger.com
Opened in 2024, the House of Cartoons Oto Reisinger is a multimedia exhibition space dedicated to Croatia's most famous cartoonist. Oto Reisinger's satirical cartoons have entertained and provoked thought for decades, and this museum showcases his life's work.
The exhibits are humorous, clever, and surprisingly thought-provoking. Even if you're not familiar with Reisinger's work, the universal themes in his cartoons—politics, society, human nature—resonate with everyone.
Insider Info: The museum is run by Reisinger's grandson, adding a personal touch to every visit.
11. Moneterra (Croatian National Bank Money Museum)
Address: Ulica Augusta Cesarca 10, 10000 Zagreb Website: moneterra.hr
Moneterra, opened in 2024, is the Croatian National Bank's interactive money museum, and it's way more fun than it sounds. I was pleasantly surprised—you expect a boring museum, but it turned out to be a lot of fun! It's a pretty big museum with a bunch of things to do. This free museum uses games, videos, and hands-on exhibits to teach visitors about the history of currency and monetary policy.
You can design your own banknote, check counterfeit euros with professional tools, and learn how money shapes our lives. I spent over an hour playing with the interactive exhibits—it's educational without feeling like a lecture.
Best Part: Admission is completely free, and it's open six days a week.
12. Museum of Selfie and Memories
Address: Radićeva 14 (1st floor), 10000 Zagreb Website: selfiemuseumzagreb.hr
The Museum of Selfie and Memories is pure Instagram gold. With 21 creatively themed rooms designed for photo ops, this interactive museum is all about capturing fun, memorable moments.
From a golden bathroom to neon-lit backdrops, every room is crafted for the perfect selfie. I had a blast posing with friends and experimenting with different angles. It's lighthearted, colorful, and unapologetically fun.
Who It's For: Perfect for groups, families, or anyone who loves creative photography.
13. Museum of Unfinished Art
Address: Eugena Kumičića 10, 10000 Zagreb Website: museumofunfinishedart.com
The Museum of Unfinished Art is a one-of-a-kind creative space where art is always a work in progress—and you become the artist. Visitors are invited to contribute to ongoing art projects, transforming the exhibits with their own creativity.
This museum challenges the traditional idea that art must be "finished" or perfect. I loved the collaborative energy and the freedom to add my own touch to the installations. It's interactive, thought-provoking, and constantly evolving.
Why It's Unique: Every visit is different because the art is always changing based on visitor contributions.
14. Mushroom Museum
Address: Splavnica 2 (2nd floor), 10000 Zagreb Website: Check Facebook for updates
The Mushroom Museum houses the world's largest collection of freeze-dried mushrooms—over 1,500 species! Located just above Dolac Market, this hidden gem educates visitors about edible and poisonous mushrooms, mycology, and the ecological role of fungi.
I was surprised by how fascinating mushrooms are once you start learning about them. The freeze-dried specimens are beautifully preserved, and the exhibits explain everything from mushroom hunting to their medicinal properties.
Insider Tip: It's a small museum, so plan for a 30–45 minute visit.
15. Video Game History Museum
Address: Draškovićeva 10, 10000 Zagreb Website: https://vghm.hr/
Croatia's first video game museum is a playable time machine that lets you relive decades of gaming history. From the first arcade machines to modern consoles, this interactive museum celebrates the evolution of video games.
I spent hours playing retro games and exploring exhibits on gaming culture. Whether you're a hardcore gamer or just nostalgic for your childhood, this museum is pure fun. It's hands-on, engaging, and perfect for all ages.
Photo Opportunity: Pose with classic arcade machines and vintage consoles for the ultimate throwback shot.
Practical Tips for Visiting Weird Museums in Zagreb
Getting Around: Most of these weird museums in Zagreb are located in the city center and are easily walkable. The Zagreb 80's Museum, Museum of Broken Relationships, and Cravaticum are all in the Upper Town (Gornji Grad), making them easy to visit in one afternoon.
Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings are less crowded. Many museums are open until late evening, making them perfect for after-dinner exploration.
Budget: Admission prices range from free (Moneterra) to around €10–12 for most museums. Consider purchasing a Zagreb Card for discounts.
How Many Can You Visit in a Day? Realistically, 3–4 museums per day allows you to fully enjoy each
experience without rushing.
Why Zagreb Has So Many Weird and Unusual Museums
Zagreb's quirky museum scene didn't happen by accident. The city has embraced creativity, innovation, and storytelling in ways that challenge traditional museum concepts. Many of these "world's first" museums were born from passion projects by local entrepreneurs and artists who saw opportunities to celebrate unconventional topics.
The result? Zagreb has become a global trendsetter in experiential, interactive museums that prioritize fun and engagement over dusty artifacts behind glass. These weird museums in Zagreb attract visitors from around the world who are looking for something different from typical tourist attractions.
Final Thoughts: Exploring Zagreb's Weird Museum Scene
The weird museums in Zagreb are more than just tourist attractions—they're windows into human experience, creativity, and the quirky side of life. From heartbreak to hangovers, from mushrooms to money, these museums prove that anything can be fascinating when presented with passion and imagination.
Whether you're a museum lover or someone who usually avoids them, Zagreb's unusual collections will surprise and delight you. These aren't your typical stuffy museums—they're interactive, emotional, hilarious, and unforgettable.
If you've enjoyed discovering these weird museums, you'll love my guide to the top 10 unusual things to see in Zagreb—perfect for planning a full itinerary of quirky Zagreb adventures!
So next time you're in Zagreb, skip the standard sightseeing checklist and dive into the city's wonderfully weird museum scene. You won't regret it.
