![\"Croatia](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Croatia2-e1499714638161.jpg\")
<\/a>A mural in Volosko, near Rijeka<\/p><\/div>\n
That\u2019s easy to do in this small country where artistic expression flavors every area of life. Contemporary masterpieces compliment ancient treasures. Classical, rock, and folk mingle in a unique musical stew. And no place does festivals quite like Croatia. Spring events celebrating culinary arts (think: Sardine Fest!) and summer music, theater, and dance festivals are abundant.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve discovered amazing experiences, but we know these only scratch the surface. With every visit, a new favorite is revealed. And, isn\u2019t that the magic of travel? When we\u2019re flexible and open, inspiration awaits around every corner.<\/p>\n
If you’re looking to feel inspired, here are some of my favorite creative hotspots around the country:<\/p>\n
Zadar\u2019s contemporary seafront <\/strong><\/h3>\nThis duo of installations opened our eyes wide to Croatia\u2019s modern artistic spirit. Decades after Zadar\u2019s seafront was devastated during WWII, city leaders tasked architect Nikola Ba\u0161i\u0107 with re-envisioning the promenade. The work, unveiled in 2005, transformed the area and changed the narrative.<\/p>\n
The first installation, simply known as Sea Organ, harnesses wind to produce music. Essentially, it\u2019s a giant pipe organ built into concrete steps leading into the sea. With every boat that passes and wind that blows, air flows creates endless sound. You could spend hours on those steps, in the company of visitors and locals lounging, swimming, and staring into the sea, hypnotized.<\/p>\n
![\"Zadar](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Zadar-e1499717446609.jpg\")
<\/a>Tourists listening to the Sea Organ<\/p><\/div>\n
The second installation Greeting to the Sun <\/em>captures sunbeams via embedded solar-panels. All day, the work stores up sunshine while serving as a groovy metallic dance floor. As the sun sets, the energy creates a trippy light show, shining brightly through the night.<\/p>\nBoth projects bring people together, are free, and self-perpetuating. These works made us think differently about what is possible, the epitome of successful public art.<\/p>\n
VISIT ZADAR ON THIS 9-DAY FOOD TOUR OF CROATIA AND SLOVENIA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nSplit\u2019s lively treasure<\/strong><\/h3>\nNo place demonstrates the concept of living art quite like this bustling city by the sea.<\/p>\n
![\"Split](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/IMG_4784-e1494547477157.jpg\")
<\/a>The waterfront in Split<\/p><\/div>\n
Ruler Diocletian went on a spending spree creating a fortress using the finest white marble and stone available to the Roman empire. Today, Diocletian\u2019s Palace is filled from cobblestone alley to tower belfry with life. The sight of Split\u2019s residents dining, shopping, and creating new art within the architectural masterpiece feels otherworldly.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t miss the fascinating Ethnographic Museum and Gallery of Fine Arts. For a dose of modernity, go in search of Gregorius of Nin, a sculpture created by Croatia\u2019s most famous contemporary artist Ivan Me\u0161trovi\u0107. Rub the bishop\u2019s big toe for luck, then continue the immersion at Me\u0161trovi\u0107 Gallery, where the artist once lived and worked.<\/p>\n
RELATED:\u00a0WHAT TO DO, EAT & DRINK IN SPLIT<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nDubrovnik’s thought-provoking allure<\/h3>\n
Further south, another architectural wonder lures visitors by cruise-ship-load to Croatia\u2019s most popular city. The medieval walls of Dubrovnik indeed warrant the attention and a walk around the circumference is an unforgettable, yet crowded, experience. (Tip: for less crowds and great light, visit an hour before closing.)<\/p>\n
![\"Dubrovnik](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Dubrovnik-e1499713899382.png\")
<\/a>Dubrovnik’s Old City<\/p><\/div>\n
Explore more recent history at War Photo Limited, a collection of images from the world\u2019s most prominent war photographers. Scenes of the Balkan conflict and shelling of Dubrovnik in 1991 and 1992 are startling, yet vital to understanding the region.<\/p>\n
We let the sobering experience sink in during a long walk to tranquil, beach-dotted Lapad, once home to another Croatian sculptor. Galerija Marijan showcases the works of Marijan Kockovic in the home where his children welcome visitors by appointment. His bronze and marble sculptures of female figures seem alive and exude feminine power and mystic. The art-adorned garden offers a peaceful spot for contemplating the work.<\/p>\n
RELATED: HERE’S HOW TO SPEND THE ULTIMATE 7 DAYS IN CROATIA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nRijeka\u2019s creative mix<\/strong><\/h3>\nAlong the northern coast, Croatia\u2019s most underrated city is bursting with artistic energy. Most visitors pass through the port city of Rijeka in route to popular islands, Krk and Cres, but art lovers should tap the brakes for this multi-textured spot.<\/p>\n
![\"Rijeka,](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Rijeka-e1499717362570.jpg\")
<\/a>Aerial view of Rijeka<\/p><\/div>\n
The once-gritty waterfront is transforming as piers and ships are reimagined as hip restaurants, hotels, and cutting-edge art spaces. This is the place to sample the rock and punk scene. Event posters blanket the city, showcasing a spectrum of shows, along with innovative design.<\/p>\n
RELATED: EXPLORE CROATIA ON THIS EPIC 8-DAY TRIP FROM DUBROVNIK TO SPLIT<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nCheck out the music poster collection at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and catch a live show at a famed club like Tunel, atmospherically staged under a railway. And, if there\u2019s a show at Hartera Paper Factory, a former industrial zone turned arts hotspot, find your way there.<\/p>\n
This may seem a crazy suggestion, but don\u2019t miss Kantrida Aquatic Center, just outside town. The stunningly modern design is proof that Rijeka\u2019s artsy, even in sport.<\/p>\n
![\"Kantrida](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Croatia3-e1499714192334.png\")
<\/a>Kantrida Aquatic Center in Rijeka<\/p><\/div>\n
Zagreb\u2019s capital buzz<\/strong><\/h3>\nCroatia\u2019s capital, Zagreb, offers a dizzying array of museums, galleries, music, theater, and dance. You can dig deeper into Me\u0161trovi\u0107\u2019s genius in his namesake atelier, where a comprehensive collection of bronze, stone, and wood pieces showcase his early work.<\/p>\n
Nearby, you\u2019ll find one of the country\u2019s most evocative art collections. The Croatian Museum of Na\u00efve Art is dedicated to works primarily associated with self-taught artists. In other words, what most of us think of as folk art. After visiting, you\u2019ll notice giant eggs throughout town serving as canvas for the form\u2019s characteristically vibrant colors.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Tourists listening to the Sea Organ<\/p><\/div>\n
The second installation Greeting to the Sun <\/em>captures sunbeams via embedded solar-panels. All day, the work stores up sunshine while serving as a groovy metallic dance floor. As the sun sets, the energy creates a trippy light show, shining brightly through the night.<\/p>\n Both projects bring people together, are free, and self-perpetuating. These works made us think differently about what is possible, the epitome of successful public art.<\/p>\n VISIT ZADAR ON THIS 9-DAY FOOD TOUR OF CROATIA AND SLOVENIA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n No place demonstrates the concept of living art quite like this bustling city by the sea.<\/p>\n The waterfront in Split<\/p><\/div>\n Ruler Diocletian went on a spending spree creating a fortress using the finest white marble and stone available to the Roman empire. Today, Diocletian\u2019s Palace is filled from cobblestone alley to tower belfry with life. The sight of Split\u2019s residents dining, shopping, and creating new art within the architectural masterpiece feels otherworldly.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss the fascinating Ethnographic Museum and Gallery of Fine Arts. For a dose of modernity, go in search of Gregorius of Nin, a sculpture created by Croatia\u2019s most famous contemporary artist Ivan Me\u0161trovi\u0107. Rub the bishop\u2019s big toe for luck, then continue the immersion at Me\u0161trovi\u0107 Gallery, where the artist once lived and worked.<\/p>\n RELATED:\u00a0WHAT TO DO, EAT & DRINK IN SPLIT<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Further south, another architectural wonder lures visitors by cruise-ship-load to Croatia\u2019s most popular city. The medieval walls of Dubrovnik indeed warrant the attention and a walk around the circumference is an unforgettable, yet crowded, experience. (Tip: for less crowds and great light, visit an hour before closing.)<\/p>\n Dubrovnik’s Old City<\/p><\/div>\n Explore more recent history at War Photo Limited, a collection of images from the world\u2019s most prominent war photographers. Scenes of the Balkan conflict and shelling of Dubrovnik in 1991 and 1992 are startling, yet vital to understanding the region.<\/p>\n We let the sobering experience sink in during a long walk to tranquil, beach-dotted Lapad, once home to another Croatian sculptor. Galerija Marijan showcases the works of Marijan Kockovic in the home where his children welcome visitors by appointment. His bronze and marble sculptures of female figures seem alive and exude feminine power and mystic. The art-adorned garden offers a peaceful spot for contemplating the work.<\/p>\n RELATED: HERE’S HOW TO SPEND THE ULTIMATE 7 DAYS IN CROATIA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Along the northern coast, Croatia\u2019s most underrated city is bursting with artistic energy. Most visitors pass through the port city of Rijeka in route to popular islands, Krk and Cres, but art lovers should tap the brakes for this multi-textured spot.<\/p>\n Aerial view of Rijeka<\/p><\/div>\n The once-gritty waterfront is transforming as piers and ships are reimagined as hip restaurants, hotels, and cutting-edge art spaces. This is the place to sample the rock and punk scene. Event posters blanket the city, showcasing a spectrum of shows, along with innovative design.<\/p>\n RELATED: EXPLORE CROATIA ON THIS EPIC 8-DAY TRIP FROM DUBROVNIK TO SPLIT<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Check out the music poster collection at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and catch a live show at a famed club like Tunel, atmospherically staged under a railway. And, if there\u2019s a show at Hartera Paper Factory, a former industrial zone turned arts hotspot, find your way there.<\/p>\n This may seem a crazy suggestion, but don\u2019t miss Kantrida Aquatic Center, just outside town. The stunningly modern design is proof that Rijeka\u2019s artsy, even in sport.<\/p>\n Kantrida Aquatic Center in Rijeka<\/p><\/div>\n Croatia\u2019s capital, Zagreb, offers a dizzying array of museums, galleries, music, theater, and dance. You can dig deeper into Me\u0161trovi\u0107\u2019s genius in his namesake atelier, where a comprehensive collection of bronze, stone, and wood pieces showcase his early work.<\/p>\n Nearby, you\u2019ll find one of the country\u2019s most evocative art collections. The Croatian Museum of Na\u00efve Art is dedicated to works primarily associated with self-taught artists. In other words, what most of us think of as folk art. After visiting, you\u2019ll notice giant eggs throughout town serving as canvas for the form\u2019s characteristically vibrant colors.<\/p>\nSplit\u2019s lively treasure<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Dubrovnik’s thought-provoking allure<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Rijeka\u2019s creative mix<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/a>Zagreb\u2019s capital buzz<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Croatia](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Croatia-e1499714749160.png\")
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