The Museum of Hangovers in Zagreb is a unique institution dedicated to the stories, objects, and experiences associated with alcohol consumption and the subsequent physical aftermath. Founded in 2019, it serves as a repository for items collected from individuals who have experienced memorable nights out, often accompanied by humorous anecdotes explaining how these objects were acquired or lost.
The museum provides a lighthearted exploration of drinking culture and the universal experience of the hangover. Through its interactive exhibits, visitors can engage with historical remedies, test their coordination with 'beer goggles,' and contribute their own stories to the growing collection, framing the topic through a lens of social history and personal narrative.
The museum originated from a conversation between founder Rino Duboković and a friend, who recounted a story about waking up with a bicycle pedal in his pocket. This sparked the idea of creating a space to preserve such stories and the objects associated with them.
The museum opened its doors in Zagreb as a pop-up project, quickly gaining international attention for its unconventional theme and focus on personal storytelling rather than traditional historical artifacts.
The institution has evolved into a permanent fixture in Zagreb's cultural scene, continuing to curate a collection of donated items and stories while maintaining its focus on the humorous and social aspects of drinking culture.
The museum reflects a shift in contemporary museology toward the preservation of 'everyday' and 'fringe' history. By focusing on the personal, often humorous, narratives of nightlife and its consequences, it challenges traditional notions of what constitutes a museum-worthy subject, highlighting the role of alcohol in social bonding and cultural memory.
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
There is ongoing discussion regarding the classification of such institutions within the broader museum sector, specifically concerning the balance between entertainment-focused 'experience' museums and traditional educational institutions.
Entry Rules
Open daily. Tickets can be purchased on-site. Visitors are encouraged to share their own stories as part of the interactive experience.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday afternoons are generally quieter than weekends.
Photography
Photography is permitted throughout the museum.
Preservation Notes
Please handle interactive exhibits with care and respect the personal nature of the donated artifacts.