Location: Meštrović's Crikvine - Kaštilac

Date: January 31, 2025, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM  

The Croatian Museum Association is organizing the 20th annual Night of the museums under the theme “Museums – Visible and Invisible” in collaboration with numerous Croatian museums and other heritage, scientific, and educational institutions. On this occasion, the Museums of Ivan Meštrović open their doors in Split and Otavice.  

Program Summary  

Night of the museums offers an opportunity to rediscover the gems of Meštrović’s sacred complex on Meje, housed within the Church of the Holy Cross at Crikvine - Kaštilac. Known as an exhibition space of the Museums of Ivan Meštrović, this site features a cycle of reliefs by the Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović depicting scenes from the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The centerpiece of the atrium is the Author of the Apocalypse sculpture, while the church houses 28 wooden reliefs (1917–1950) illustrating the life of Jesus Christ and the Large Crucifix from 1916. Although primarily a museum and exhibition space, the Church of the Holy Cross occasionally hosts masses, fulfilling Meštrović’s wish for it to serve the community.  

Despite its significance, this location is relatively unknown to visitors, including locals from Split and its surroundings. During Museum Night, it will be illuminated with special lighting.  

Visitors can also participate in a woodcarving popup workshop held during the program.  

Event Schedule  

 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Guided tour of the Church of the Holy Cross at Crikvine - Kaštilac  

 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Guided tour of the Church of the Holy Cross at Crikvine - Kaštilac  

 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Guided tour of the Church of the Holy Cross at Crikvine - Kaštilac  
 

Three sessions, starting at 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:00 PM, will allow visitors to explore this sacredartistic complex and the intimate details of Meštrović’s 33 - yearlong work on the wooden reliefs, which uniquely portray moments from Christ’s life interwoven with elements from Meštrović’s own life.  

 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Popup woodcarving workshop  

To complement the wooden reliefs at Crikvine - Kaštilac, a popup woodcarving workshop will be available for visitors interested in experiencing the process behind creating wooden reliefs.  

 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Educational animated video “Meštri at Work 3 – Wood”  

An animated educational video from the series “Meštri at Work 3 – Wood” will accompany the workshop. Directed by Katrin Novaković, academic sculptor Luka Radica, and senior curator Iris Marinović, the film highlights woodcarving as a technique and material that consistently inspired Meštrović throughout his life. It features his most significant cycle of 28 wooden reliefs depicting the life of Christ.  

 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Light installation  

The atrium will be illuminated with special lighting, creating a unique ambiance for Crikvine - Kaštilac during Night of the museums.

Note: Meštrović Gallery is temporarily closed to visitors due to energy renovation work.  

Location: Otavice - Churc of the most Holy Redeemer

Date: January 31, 2024, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM  

Program Summary  

During Night of the museums, explore the permanent exhibition at the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, the family mausoleum of Ivan Meštrović. Visit the “Secret Life of Sculptures” photography exhibition at the Otavice Cultural Center. The exhibition showcases selected photographs of Meštrović’s works by Zoran Alajbeg, summarizing his two decades of dedication to documenting Meštrović’s art. Simultaneously, a multimedia project titled “Fear of Emptiness” by Ivan Marušić Klif will be displayed in the Cultural Center’s congress hall, featuring audiovisual interpretations of Meštrović’s biography and iconic sculptures.  

The program continues with a theatrical sketch performed by the drama section of HKD Napredak Knin, followed by refreshments and local delicacies prepared by members of the Petrovo Polje Ethno Association.  

Event Schedule  

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Guided tour of the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer  

Built between 1928 and 1930 in Meštrović’s native Otavice, the church was envisioned as both a family mausoleum and a place of worship for the local community. Visitors will learn about its history and significance through a guided tour.  

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Publication sale at the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer souvenir shop  

Museum publications will be available at a 50% discount.  

6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Opening of the exhibition “Secret Life of Sculptures” at Otavice Cultural Center  

Photographer Zoran Alajbeg and curator Zorana Jurić Šabić will present the exhibition, which offers a new perspective on Meštrović’s sculptures and monuments through largeformat photographs.  

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Multimedia installation “Fear of Emptiness” at Otavice Cultural Center  

This dynamic audiovisual exhibit uses archival material, photos, and animations to reinterpret Meštrović’s biography and works.  

6:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Theatrical sketch by HKD Napredak Knin drama section  

A short but entertaining sketch titled “Night of the museums” will offer a unique perspective on the event.  

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Social gathering and refreshments  

Enjoy local delicacies prepared by the Petrovo Polje Ethno Association in the Otavice Cultural Center.  

Note: Free bus transportation from Split (Sukoišanska terminal) to Otavice is available. Departure: 3:30 PM; Return: 8:00 PM, arriving in Split at 9:00 PM. Registrations open Monday, January 27, via email: pripravnik@mestrovic.hr. Please include your full name, phone number, and email address. Bus capacity is limited to 50 passengers. Visitors may also reach Otavice independently. Participation in the program is free.  

Exhibition and multimedia installation at Otavice Cultural Center remain open until February 8, 2025  

(Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.)