Museum of Broken Relationships

In the heart of Zagreb, Croatia, nestled in the charming Upper Town, lies a unique and captivating attraction: the Museum of Broken Relationships (Muzej prekinutih veza). This museum stands as a testament to the complexities of human relationships and the emotional artifacts they leave behind. It offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the personal stories of love and loss from around the world, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Croatian capital.

The Origins of the Museum

The Museum of Broken Relationships was conceived by two Zagreb-based artists, Olinka Vištica and Dražen Grubišić. After their own romantic relationship ended in 2003, they jokingly discussed the idea of creating a museum to house the remnants of their failed love. Three years later, this playful notion became a serious project. They began collecting items from friends who had also experienced breakups, and the collection quickly grew. The first public exhibition took place in 2006 at the Glyptotheque Zagreb during the 41st Zagreb Salon.

Over the next few years, the collection embarked on a world tour, visiting numerous countries and gathering new items from donors along the way. By 2010, the collection had been seen by over 200,000 visitors worldwide. Despite initial challenges in securing a permanent location, Vištica and Grubišić decided to invest privately and rented a 300-square-meter space in Zagreb's Upper Town, officially opening the museum in October 2010.

Award-Winning Innovation

The Museum of Broken Relationships quickly gained recognition for its innovative concept and emotional impact. In 2011, it received the prestigious Kenneth Hudson Award from the European Museum Forum. This award is given to museums that demonstrate unusual, daring, and controversial achievements that challenge common perceptions of the role of museums in society. The judging panel praised the museum for encouraging discussion and reflection on the fragility of human relationships and the broader political, social, and cultural contexts surrounding the stories being told.

Exploring the Exhibits

As you step into the Museum of Broken Relationships, you'll find yourself surrounded by a diverse array of personal objects, each with its own unique story. The exhibits include photographs, letters, clothing, and even more unusual items like an axe used to chop up a former lover's furniture. Each item is accompanied by a brief description, often written by the anonymous donor, providing context and insight into the relationship it represents.

The museum is divided into several segments. The Material Remains layout showcases the physical objects and documents, complete with dates and locations of the relationships. These items are periodically rotated to make room for new exhibits, ensuring that each visit offers something fresh and intriguing. The Virtual Web Museum allows visitors to become donors by uploading their own images and documents, creating a digital archive of broken relationships. Additionally, the Confessional segment provides an interactive space where visitors can leave their own objects or messages, or even record their confessions in a private setting.

A Global Journey

The Museum of Broken Relationships has not only found a home in Zagreb but has also traveled extensively. Its touring exhibitions have visited cities across the globe, from Buenos Aires to Berlin, San Francisco to Singapore, and many more. Each stop on the tour brings in new donations, adding to the ever-growing collection and ensuring that the museum remains a dynamic and evolving entity.

The Museum of Broken Relationships in Los Angeles

In 2016, the Museum of Broken Relationships expanded its reach by opening a second location in Los Angeles, USA. This new venue was established in collaboration with American lawyer John B. Quinn, who was inspired by his visit to the Zagreb museum. Located in the heart of Hollywood, the Los Angeles branch featured a mix of items from the original Zagreb collection and new donations from the local community. Although the Los Angeles location closed in 2017 while searching for a new site, it remains a significant chapter in the museum's history.

Why Visit the Museum?

The Museum of Broken Relationships offers a unique and deeply personal experience that resonates with visitors from all walks of life. It provides a space for reflection and empathy, allowing us to connect with the universal themes of love, loss, and healing. Whether you're a romantic at heart or simply curious about the human condition, this museum offers an unforgettable journey through the emotional landscapes of our shared experiences.

In conclusion, the Museum of Broken Relationships is more than just a collection of objects; it's a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that, even in our most vulnerable moments, we are not alone. So, the next time you find yourself in Zagreb, make sure to visit this extraordinary museum and immerse yourself in the poignant stories that it holds within its walls.