The Museum of Broken Relationships is a unique institution located in Zagreb, Croatia, dedicated to the physical remnants of failed romantic connections. Founded by artists Olinka Vištica and Dražen Grubišić, the museum collects personal objects donated by individuals from around the world, each accompanied by a narrative describing the history and emotional significance of the relationship associated with the item.
The collection serves as a repository for collective emotional experiences, transforming private heartbreak into a public, shared cultural dialogue. By focusing on the mundane and the deeply personal, the museum explores the complexities of human connection and the process of closure, earning international acclaim for its innovative approach to storytelling and its contribution to contemporary museology.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Mixed media, Personal artifacts
- Civilization
- Contemporary Croatian
- Accessibility
- Fully accessible
- Date(s)
- 2010
- Condition
- Active
- Original Function
- Art installation and museum
- Key Figures
- Olinka Vištica, Dražen Grubišić
Origins as an Art Project
2006The concept originated as a traveling art exhibition created by Olinka Vištica and Dražen Grubišić following the end of their own relationship. They invited friends to donate items that symbolized their past romances, creating a temporary installation that toured internationally.
Establishment in Zagreb
2010Due to the overwhelming public response and the growing collection of donated artifacts, the founders established a permanent museum space in the Kulmer Palace in Zagreb's Upper Town. It became the first private museum in the city.
International Recognition
2011-PresentThe museum received the Kenneth Hudson Award for Europe's most innovative museum in 2011. It has since expanded its reach through global touring exhibitions and continues to curate a rotating selection of stories from its permanent collection.
Cultural Significance
The museum has redefined the role of the object in storytelling, shifting the focus from historical or aesthetic value to emotional resonance. It provides a space for catharsis and reflection, challenging traditional museum paradigms by validating the personal histories of ordinary people as significant cultural heritage.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
Discussions often center on the ethics of displaying intimate personal trauma and the blurred lines between art, therapy, and historical archiving. Scholars debate whether the museum's commercial success risks commodifying private grief or if it successfully democratizes the museum space.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open daily. Tickets can be purchased on-site or via the official website. No specific dress code required.
Best Times to Visit
Weekdays during the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak tourist crowds. The museum is particularly popular during the summer months.
Photography
Personal photography is permitted for non-commercial use. Flash photography is discouraged to protect sensitive artifacts.
Nearby POIs
13 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]The Museum of Broken Relationships: Art and Archive — Olinka Vištica. Museum of Broken Relationships Press (2010)View
- [2]Emotional Heritage and the Museum — K. M. Smith. Journal of Contemporary Museology (2018)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Mixed media, Personal artifacts
- Civilization
- Contemporary Croatian
- Accessibility
- Fully accessible