11 BEST Museums in Split [December 2024]

Surrounded by turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, Split is a beautiful gem on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. But besides the sun-soaked beaches, Split is also known for its historic Roman heritage. It’s even home to the heavily fortified Diocletian’s Palace, built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

Because of the city’s rich history and culture, Split is also home to several fascinating museums.

To make the most of your time, we’ve curated this list of the top 11 museums you must visit during your trip to Split! From its ancient Roman past to it’s vibrant, artistic future, you’re guaranteed to find a museum that suits your taste!

 

#1 – Split Ethnographic Museum

• Art, artifacts, and objects collected all over Croatia
• Located in what was a royal palace
• Cost: 20 kn (adults), 10 kn (reduced)
• Suggested duration: 1 – 2 hours

Dive deep into Croatia’s rich and complex history at the Split Ethnographic Museum! Built inside the imperial palace of Emperor Diocletian, the museum contains a vast collection of Croatian cultural treasures.

You’ll learn all about the former residents of Split, including islanders and farmers from neighboring Zagora. Don’t forget to climb the Roman staircase to the roof, for unparalleled views of Split’s historic center.

Still haven’t booked for Split? We’ve organized the best places to stay in Split for all types of trips!

 

#2 – Split Archaeological Museum

• Thousands of years of artifacts
• Tombstone mosaics and several sarcophagi
• Cost: 40 kn (adults), 20 kn (reduced)
• Suggested duration: 2 – 3 hours

Filled with excavated treasures and ancient sculptures and mosaics, the Split Archaeological Museum should not be missed on your trip to Croatia. Funded in 1820, you’ll find thousands of artifacts from Croatia, including ceramic bowls, marble figurines, and even warriors helmet from 400BC.

But by far, the highlights of the museum are the burial sarcophagi rooms.

Not yet booked? Take a look at our favorite hotels in Split!

 

#3 – Live Museum Split

• See Roman life performed by actors
• Try a hand at archery
• Cost: 30 kn
• Suggested duration: 2 – 3 hours

If you’ve ever wanted to step back in time and live like an ancient Roman, look no further than Live Museum Split! Every day, 50 or more costumed actors bring history to life, as they perform scenes and skits that you make you feel as if you’re a gladiator yourself!

And you can join in on the fun too. Test your skills as you launch your own bow and arrow into a target, and see if you can beat the ancient Romans!

Do you have an open schedule? Figure the best things to do in Split before you visit!

Your trip getting near? Check out our boutique hotels in Split guide so you’re sure to get a great room!

#4 – Gallery of Fine Arts

• 14th-century until the present day
• Old Masters and Icons collection
• Cost: 40 kn (adults), 20 kn (reduced)
• Suggested duration: 2 – 3 hours

Covering six centuries of Croatian and International art, the Split Gallery of Fine Arts is the ultimate paradise for art lovers. There are over 5,000 works on a rotating display, including paintings and sculptures from Medović, Dešković, and Ignjat Job.

But what’s most impressive are the 14th century Venetian Old Master works of Paolo Veneziano. And for those who need a break from classic art, don’t fret! The Gallery of Fine Arts also has a stunning contemporary art collection as well.

Croatia is amazing! You can see more of it with these great day trips from Dubrovnik!

 

#5 – Ivan Meštrović Gallery

• Bronze, marble, and wood plaster models
• Seaside house designed by Meštrović
• Cost: 40 kn (adults), 20 kn (reduced)
• Suggested duration: 3 – 4 hours

Explore the brilliant life of Ivan Meštrović by visiting his most significant collection of works at the Ivan Meštrović Gallery. Spread over two floors, the gallery consists of Meštrović’s sculptures, drawings, and architectural designs.

The building itself was even bought and designed by Meštrović himself and includes his living space and workshop areas inside.

Stop at the Ivan Meštrović Gallery during your Split City Cycling Tour!

 

Split has amazing food – check out the tastiest food and top restaurants in Split!

#6 – Split City Museum

• Built inside Diocletian’s palace
• Artifacts and objects revealing Split’s history
• Cost: 25 kn (adults), 15 kn (reduced)
• Suggested duration: 1 – 2 hours

Covering 2,000 years of Croatian history, the Split City Museum is located in the northeastern wing of Diocletian’s palace, which is now owned by the Papalič family.

Inside the gorgeous 4th-century Renaissance palace, you’ll find statues, monuments, documents, and photographs that shed light into Split’s past. You’re guaranteed to walk away with a deeper understanding (and appreciation) for this beautiful seaside city!

Excited to visit Split? Get excited to take an amazing day trip too!

 

#7 – Croatian Maritime Museum

• See the oldest torpedo in the world!
• Hundreds of model ships and vessels
• Cost: 20 kn (adults), 10 kn (reduced)
• Suggested duration: 1 – 2 hours

Built inside a 17th-century fortress, the Croatian Maritime Museum is a small but impressive look into Split’s seafaring heritage. There’s an extensive collection of model ships, such as historic Venetian galleys, Croatian steamboats, and even modern day cruise liners.

You’ll also find other naval objects like uniforms, torpedoes, and uncovered lighthouse lanterns. There’s also a gallery dedicated to the rare battle items and equipment used in World War I and World War II.

Want to learn more about Dubrovnik? The top museums in Dubrovnik might hold the answers!

 

#8 – Museum of Senses

• Interactive illusions, rooms, and games
• See the world of science from a new perspective!
• Cost: 70 kn (adults), 50 kn (reduced)
• Suggested duration: 3 – 4 hours

Enter the world of the unbelievable as you unlock the mysteries at the Museum of Senses! There are over 50 attractions that are guaranteed to make you question everything you knew about science and technology.

Play with plasma balls, boggle your mind with optical illusions, and even sit in complete darkness in the night room. Fun for kids of all ages, the Museum of Senses is one of Split’s most entertaining attractions!

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Museum of Senses. Book your tickets online and in advance!

 

Interested in Dubrovnik? Read up on the history of Dubrovnik!

 

#9 – Froggyland

• 500 taxidermy frogs arranged into scenes
• Fun, entertaining, and hilarious!
• Cost: 40 kn
• Suggested duration: 1 hour

Froggyland might be one of the world’s most bizarre museums! As you step inside, you’ll see miniature scenes of daily life, like courtrooms, fitness studios, and even pubs. But what’s most unusual is that real, taxidermy frogs portray the scenes!

The 20 or so scenes contain over 500 taxidermy frogs, posed and arranged in a variety of scenarios. This hilarious attraction is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!

Short on time? One of these tours in Dubrovnik is the best way to see the most!

 

#10 – Game of Thrones Museum Split

• Memorabilia, costumes, and props from GoT
• Life-size figures and scenes
• Cost: 50 kn
• Suggested duration: 1 hour

If you’re a fan of the award-winning Game of Thrones TV show, then you can’t miss the opportunity to visit the Game of Thrones Museum Split. Although you’re still miles from King’s Landing (Dubrovnik, Croatia), you can still marvel at the authentic props, costumes, and dioramas from the set.

There are even real-size figures of your favorite characters, including Khaleesi, Jon Snow, and also the three-eyed raven! This small but packed museum is sure to delight any Game of Thrones fan!

Enhance your Game of Thrones experience with a 3-hour guided Game of Thrones tour!

 

Interested in Split? Read up on the history of Split!

#11 – Jaman Art

• Vibrant, colorful paintings by Danijel Jaman
• Ideal for finding a souvenir
• Cost: Free
• Suggested duration: 1 hour

Admire the colorful works of Danijel Jaman as you walk through the charming Jaman Art Gallery in Split. Considered one of the most creative artists to hail from Croatia, Danijel Jaman has left his mark on the urban, pop-art scene.

Pick up an authentic painting, or a small postcard or magnet as a souvenir. And if you’re lucky, you just might see Danijel Jaman during your visit to the gallery! He’s often working the showroom himself.

Want to learn more about Split? We can tell you about it or these local tours in Split could show you instead!

Editor’s note – These are the 10 most beautiful beaches in Split!

FAQ

How many museums are in Split?

There are just a handful of museums in this quaint seaside town. And although there are fewer museums than most cities around the world, the museums in Split are vastly different. You can find your traditional art and history galleries, but also fun and quirky museums to keep you entertained all weekend!

How many free museums are in Split?

Most museums in Split require paid admission to enter. However, you may be able to find temporary exhibitions or traveling pop-up art shows that are free to visit. It’s best to check a Split event calendar to see if there is a free exhibit during your visit.

What are the hours of Split Museums?

In Split, it’s common for museums to open at 9 or 10 in the morning and close around 4 in the afternoon. While you might find that some museums are open seven days a week, a Split museum will likely be closed on Sunday or Monday.

What can I bring into Split Museums?

What you are allowed to bring inside will depend on the specific museum you are visiting in Split. In some art galleries, flash photography and videography may be prohibited. Food is usually not allowed; however, bottled water is generally okay to bring into a museum.

I’m sure you know a bit about Croatia, but we have a few history facts you might not have heard yet.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to see why Split is growing in popularity as one of the most stunning vacation destinations on the Adriatic Sea. There aren’t too many places in the world that are as charming, or as culturally rich, as this Dalmatian coastal town.

That’s why it’s essential to visit a museum during your visit to Split! Museums are easily one of the best ways to get a feel for the culture and history of a particular place. The crashing waves of the crystal clear waters will be there waiting for you after!

So whether you’re interested in contemporary art, or simply want to experience something unique and bizarre, you’re guaranteed to find a museum that sparks your interest in Split.

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