The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rijeka is a great stop for anyone exploring Croatia's coast who wants a break from hiking trails and a dose of culture instead. Housed in the heart of the city, it brings together over 8,000 works spanning the 19th to 21st centuries.

The museum has a long history, founded back in 1948 as the Gallery of Fine Arts and renamed several times before taking its current form in 2003. Inside, the calm, well-curated galleries make for a relaxing counterpoint to a day spent outdoors — perfect for a rainy afternoon during a coastal holiday or a cultural pause between hikes in nearby Gorski Kotar or Učka. The atmosphere shifts with each exhibition, from intimate drawing displays to bold video and media art installations.

How to get there

• Rijeka city centre — easily reached on foot from the town centre
• Accessible by public transport or car, with parking available nearby

Practical information

• The collection holds over 8,000 exhibits organized into ten thematic collections
• Holdings include painting, sculpture, photography, prints, posters and media/video art
• The museum offers guided tours, lectures, and publishes its own expert publications

Fun fact: the museum is recognized as one of Croatia's leading examples of digitizing cultural heritage, letting visitors explore parts of the collection online.