The museums in Zagreb are not all dedicated to art or local history. The Nikola Tesla Technical Museum (formerly Technical Museum or Technicki Muzej) is a great choice for an original activity in Zagreb. The museum celebrates the technological achievements and inventions of engineers from all over the world.
The museum was renamed in 2015 and pays tribute to Nikola Tesla, a native of Smiljan, a town in the Croatian province of Lika. This famous inventor is associated with electricity and Thomas Edison, with whom he worked in the United States. The museum receives more than 150,000 visitors each year, who come to admire the most innovative creations of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The museum was built entirely of wood in 1954 and is located near the city center and surrounded by several railroad tracks. Visitors can take a journey through the centuries to discover new techniques and innovations. From the simplest inventions to the most advanced technologies, this museum allows you to travel back in time.
From horse-drawn sleigh to satellites
There are many different machines and vehicles in the museum’s large rooms. It’s a real treat for children and adults alike, who will enjoy seeing many innovations in real life size. Visitors can see old vehicles, airplanes, submarines and even satellites.
During your visit, you will notice that a wing of the museum is reserved for mineral extraction and processing. The museum also contains most of the steam engines used in Croatia during the 19th century. The museum is also interactive and allows you to do some experiments during the visit. Finally, astrology enthusiasts will appreciate the planetarium of this scientific museum. The museum is a true cultural center and hosts many activities and events throughout the year to promote science.
Please note that the museum is not very young anymore and that the explanation texts presenting the exhibits are sometimes only available in Croatian. You can join a group tour with a translator for a reasonable price. You will need two hours to go around the museum.
Practical information
More information: official website
Address: Savska cesta 18, 10000 Zagreb
Price and opening hours : Starting at 2-3 euros (and as much more for the planetarium). The museum is open every day except Mondays, from 9am to 5pm. Please note that the museum is only open from 9am to 1pm on weekends.