About the Museum
The Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Littoral Rijeka has been a cornerstone of cultural life in the city for over four decades. Located in the historic Governor’s Palace, a protected cultural monument, the museum invites visitors to explore the rich history, art, and traditions of Rijeka, the Croatian Littoral, and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Through its permanent exhibitions and carefully curated special displays, drawn from its own collections and those of other Croatian museums, the museum brings history to life while uncovering lesser-known chapters of the region’s past.
The museum’s story stretches back over a century. From its humble beginnings in 1914 — housed in the attic of a school and a small room of the City Library it moved in 1927 to Villa Margherita, the former residence of Archduke Joseph, marking the first step toward the professional organization of its collections. During the following decades, the museum expanded and evolved, merging with the Museum of the Croatian Littoral and later becoming the National Museum, before finally being established under its current name in 1961. Since then, it has continued to grow, combining the Maritime and Historical departments under one roof, offering a comprehensive view of the region’s past from prehistory to modern times.
With a multidisciplinary approach, the museum studies, preserves, and presents archaeological, ethnographic, artistic, cultural-historical, and maritime-historical artifacts. Its exhibitions allow visitors to immerse themselves in the character of the space and people, explore memories and myths, and discover local identity, creating a unique connection between past and present.
Over the years, the museum has nurtured a dynamic, open, and educational environment, showcasing art, history, and maritime heritage. From early archaeological finds and medieval treasures to modern historical artifacts, every exhibit tells a story of the people and cultures that shaped the Croatian Littoral.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, art lover, or simply curious, the Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Littoral offers an unforgettable journey through time. Step inside and experience the heritage of Rijeka like never before!
Department of Maritime History
The Department of Maritime History celebrates Rijeka’s rich seafaring heritage, tracing the city’s maritime traditions from the 19th century to the present. Sailors and ship captains once brought exotic treasures from around the world, laying the foundation for the museum’s unique collection.
Since its formal establishment within the museum, the department has grown to showcase the evolution of maritime life, featuring artifacts such as ship models, stone monuments, reliefs, and underwater archaeological finds from the Adriatic. Special exhibitions and permanent displays highlight Rijeka’s role in Adriatic trade, navigation, and nautical culture, while also preserving and promoting Croatian maritime traditions.
With dedicated curators and decades of research, the department offers visitors an immersive journey into the seafaring past, connecting historical knowledge with the region’s vibrant maritime identity.
Cultural-Historical Department of the Museum of the Croatian Littoral
Discover the rich history of Rijeka, Sušak, and the Croatian Littoral through the centuries! The Cultural-Historical Department preserves an extraordinary collection of artifacts, manuscripts, paintings, portraits, weapons, ceramics, traditional costumes, maritime objects, and much more. From the museum’s first items in the 19th century to today’s permanent and temporary exhibitions, our department tells the stories of local life, customs, and cultural achievements. Visit us and experience the past through exhibits that showcase the region’s history and artistic heritage.
Ethnographic Department of the Museum of the Croatian Littoral
Experience the rich cultural diversity of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County through ethnographic collections showcasing the everyday and festive life of local communities. From traditional folk costumes, ceramics, and textiles to wooden and metal handicrafts, the department reveals the lifestyles, customs, and skills of people from the islands and mainland from the 18th to the 20th century. The interactive exhibition highlights the connection between humans and their environment, illustrating creativity in daily life and festive traditions. Visit us and immerse yourself in a three-dimensional mosaic of local history and spirit!
Archaeological Department of the Museum of the Croatian Littoral
Step into the depths of Rijeka’s past at the Archaeological Department of the Museum of the Croatian Littoral. From the 19th-century beginnings of collection to the present day, the department preserves over 6,600 archaeological objects – ranging from prehistoric finds and ancient artifacts to medieval items and numismatic collections. The collection, acquired through excavations, hydro-archaeological research, and donations, reflects the continuous human presence and development in the region. Visitors can explore the historical timeline through exhibitions in the Maritime-Historical display, special projects, and scientific presentations, experiencing the richness of local archaeology and cultural heritage.
Museum Collections of the Museum of the Croatian Littoral
Explore the diverse collections of the Museum of the Croatian Littoral, preserving the region’s rich history, culture, and technology:
- Civil Museum Collection – objects of everyday life and material culture of the region.
- Music Collection – instruments and musical documents telling the story of local musical traditions.
- Technical Collection – innovations and technical inventions from past centuries.
- Prehistoric Collection – artifacts from the earliest periods of human history.
- Collection of Navigational Instruments and Ship Equipment – testimonies of maritime life and tradition.
- Governor’s Palace Collection – exhibits related to the history and life of the palace.
- Ship Models Collection from the Kraljevica Shipyard – impressive replicas of ships and shipbuilding heritage.
- Varia Collection – diverse objects that complete the museum’s rich story.
Each collection reveals unique aspects of the past and culture of the area, offering visitors an exceptional insight into the life and creativity of the people of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.
You can find more information about all collections here.
A visit to the Museum of the Croatian Littoral is a journey through time – from prehistoric finds and ancient artifacts, through folk traditions and handicrafts, to maritime and technical heritage. Every collection, story, and object reveals the richness of the region’s cultural and historical legacy. Come and experience the past, be inspired by the present, and glimpse the world that shapes our shared future.
You can find more about us here.