Location: Archaeological Museum in Split (Zrinsko-Frankopanska 25)  

Date: February 13 – December 31, 2025  

The most ambitious exhibition in the history of the Archaeological Museum in Split opens on February 13, 2025, at 7 PM. Featuring eleven colossal artifacts weighing over 36 tons in total, it is sure to leave visitors in awe. The exhibition is the result of collaboration between the Archaeological Museum in Split and the Academy of Arts in Split.  

 From Construction Material to a Sensational Archaeological Discovery  

In 2007, during the construction of the Franjo Tuđman Bridge over the Jadro River in Solin, archaeologists discovered an impressive ancient wall at the Ribnjak site. The wall, 37 meters long and 3 meters wide, contained spolia—fragments of sarcophagi and other ancient architectural elements—used hastily as building material. It is believed that this structure, built in the 4th century, served as a dam regulating the Jadro River’s flow and protecting the eastern walls of Salona from flooding. Before the modern bridge was completed, archaeologists managed to document and preserve 50 stone fragments and artifacts, which conservators later reassembled into their original monumental forms.  

Eleven of these artifacts, remarkable for their size, craftsmanship, and artistic mastery, posed a once-in-a-lifetime challenge for conservation experts. Now, for the first time, these pieces are presented to the public in the exhibition Medusa's Gaze.  

 A Landmark Achievement in Conservation and Restoration  

This extraordinary undertaking showcases conservation and restoration excellence, made possible through the collaboration between the Archaeological Museum in Split and the Department of Conservation and Restoration at the Academy of Arts in Split. Experts worked for years on these monumental exhibits, including the largest sarcophagus ever discovered on the eastern Adriatic. This sarcophagus stands as a testament to the incredible skill of conservators, who combined traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to breathe new life into ancient artifacts.  

The exhibition embodies an interdisciplinary approach, integrating conservation-restoration, archaeology, natural sciences, digital technology, and modern museum practices. Thanks to this synergy, for the first time in eighteen years since their discovery, eleven monumental stone artifacts are finally presented to the public.  

 When Mythological Beings Speak  

Beyond its conservation triumph, Medusa's Gaze offers a profound archaeological narrative, shedding light on ancient life and beliefs. The exhibition is enriched with depictions of fantastical creatures, among which the intriguing figure of Medusa stands out. Medusa, one of the three Gorgon sisters, is typically depicted as a monstrous being with writhing snakes for hair and a gaze so terrifying it could turn people to stone. These images reflect the symbolic and aesthetic ideals of civilizations nearly two millennia ago, inviting visitors on an unforgettable journey through time.  

 Inclusion in Museums – A Cultural Breakthrough for the Blind and Visually Impaired  

Beyond its archaeological and conservation significance, Medusa’s Gaze sets new standards for inclusivity in museums. In collaboration with the County Association of the Blind in Split, all exhibition texts are available in both Croatian and English, as well as in Braille. Additionally, audio guides for smartphones and 3D tactile models have been created, allowing blind and visually impaired visitors to experience the impressive artifacts up close.  

 An Exhibition That Redefines Museum Experiences  

The vision behind Medusa’s Gaze comes from two leading experts: Duje Ordulj, senior conservator-restorer at the Archaeological Museum in Split, and Assoc. Prof. Art. Siniša Bizjak, Vice Dean for Quality and Development at the Academy of Arts in Split. The exhibition is curated by Dr. Jelena Jovanović, senior curator at the Archaeological Museum in Split. The renowned Split-based creative studio Kazinoti & Komenda designed the visual identity, while the exhibition setup was crafted by Zagreb’s Clinica Studio.  

This exceptional team ensures that Medusa’s Gaze will be an unforgettable experience, pushing the boundaries of museum exhibitions and setting new standards in cultural heritage presentation. A bilingual exhibition catalog and a unique souvenir collection accompany the exhibition.  

For those seeking a remarkable experience that combines conservation masterpieces, spectacular cultural heritage, artistic creativity, and inclusivity, the opening of Medusa’s Gaze is an event not to be missed.  

More about the exhibitions at the Archaeological Museum: www.armus.hr