Art Pavilion in Zagreb

The Art Pavilion in Zagreb (Croatian: Umjetnički paviljon u Zagrebu) is an art gallery in Zagreb, Croatia, located on the Lenuci Horseshoe in the Lower Town area. Established in 1898, it is the oldest gallery in Southeast Europe and the only purpose-built gallery in Zagreb designed specifically to accommodate large-scale exhibitions. The pavilion stands on the northern side of King Tomislav Square, which flanks the Zagreb Central Station, south of Nikola Šubić Zrinski Square.

The gallery has a total display area of 600 square metres and does not maintain a permanent collection. It specialises in one-off solo and group exhibitions representing notable oeuvres and art movements from all periods and styles, with works by both Croatian and foreign artists. Throughout its history, the gallery has organised around 700 exhibitions. Its programming has ranged from historical surveys to contemporary presentations, encompassing artists from the Earth Group collective to major international figures.

Because the Art Pavilion does not hold a permanent collection, its notable offerings consist of the temporary exhibitions it has hosted. Throughout its history, these have included presentations of works by George Grosz, Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin, Andy Warhol, Mimmo Rotella, Joan Miró, Alberto Pioneer Giacometti, and many others. More recent retrospective exhibitions have featured Milivoj Uzelac, Gilles Aillaud, Edo Kovačević, Gerhard Richter, Vilko Gecan, Dušan Džamonja, Vlaho Bukovac, Boris Demur, Anto Jerković, Marijan Trepše, Bela Csikos Sesia, and Nasta Rojc. Group exhibitions have presented contemporary artists such as Santiago Sierra and Boris Mikhailov, as well as nineteenth-century artists including Karl von Piloty, Nikolaos Gyzis, Gabriel von Max, and Franz Stuck.

The pavilion's exterior was decorated with sculptures in the academic art style. The eastern facade displays busts of three Italian Renaissance painters: Giulio Clovio (Julije Klović), Andrea Schiavone (Andrija Medulić), and Vittore Carpaccio. The western facade bears busts of Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian. The building was one of the first completely prefabricated structures in Europe. Its glass roof was renovated in 2006 as part of longer-term restoration work.

The Art Pavilion is located in the Donji grad (Lower Town) area of Zagreb, on the Lenuci Horseshoe, on the northern side of King Tomislav Square near the Zagreb Central Station. The pavilion is owned and operated as a public institution. Following earthquake damage in 2020, it remains closed to visitors as of 2026 while reconstruction continues. The official website is https://www.umjetnicki-paviljon.hr/.