I still remember my grandmother taking me to the Split old town area on sunny afternoons. She’d point out the intricate details on the stone buildings and share stories passed down through generations.
Those walks ignited my passion for Split’s history, and now I’d like to share some of the city’s best cultural spots with you.
Because… is there a better way to explore Split’s rich history than by visiting its museums and galleries? It sure isn’t – and I’m not just saying this because Split is my birth city. It truly is special, and its museums are impressive even for those who don’t usually enjoy visiting them.
So… let’s jump straight into the best museums in Split, Croatia!
Split: A Living Museum Under the Open Sky
When we talk about museums in Split, we’re not just referring to buildings filled with artifacts. The city itself is a living, breathing museum.
The heart of Split is the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, an ancient complex built in the 4th century AD. This is the main attraction in the area, and probably the first think you think about when you say “Split, Croatia”.
Fun fact: locals still live and work within the palace walls, so don’t be surprised to find modern cafes nestled among ancient columns.
Note: I have an in-depth article dedicated to the Diocletian Palace – I recommend reading it when you’re done with this article.
Important! I recommend booking this “History and Heritage Walking Tour” if you want a guided tour of the area. Antonella is an amazing guide, and you will enjoy the time spent touring the city with her (and learn a ton of things in the process).
Split Museums within the Diocletian Palace
There are three museums located inside the city walls and they’re all worth seeing:
Ethnographic Museum
Just behind the iconic St. Domnius Cathedral, the Ethnographic Museum awaits. Established in 1910, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditional life of Split and the Dalmatia region.
From intricate jewelry and weapons to colorful costumes and embroidery, the exhibits showcase the area’s rich cultural heritage.
Insider Tip: Next to the museum’s entrance, there’s a hidden staircase leading to the top of the Vestibule. Climb up for a panoramic view of the old town and the shimmering Adriatic Sea. Trust me, it’s worth the effort if you’re looking for a flawless Instagramable location (or just to enjoy the views).
The Treasury of Split Cathedral
A stone’s throw away is the Treasury of Split Cathedral aka Saint Domnius Cathedral, home to one of Croatia’s most valuable collections of religious artifacts.
It houses relics of Saint Domnius, the city’s patron saint, brought here after his martyrdom.
Among the treasures, you’ll find golden artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and a stunning 14th-century painting titled ‘Madonna with Child and Eleven Apostles.’
The Treasury of Split Cathedral (Saint Domnius Cathedral)
Address: Kraj St. Duje 3 21000 Split (marked here on Google Maps)
Opening hours: from 08 AM to 20 PM (summer period)
Free entrance with SplitCard
Split City Museum
Located in the Gothic-Renaissance Papalić Palace, the Split City Museum is a must-visit for history buffs.
The museum delves into the city’s past, featuring medieval weapons, historical documents, and beautifully preserved rooms that offer a glimpse into noble life during the Renaissance.
Address: Papalićeva 1, 21000 Split
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun, 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed on major holidays)
Admission: Free with SplitCard
Don’t forget! I recommend booking the walking tour below for visiting the area:
Exploring Museums Beyond the Palace Walls
There is a lot more than just Diocletian’s Palace in Split – although if you’re on a tight schedule, it remains the must-see of the lot.
I actually recommend spending more time in this amazing Croatian city (check out my optimized Split itinerary here). These are the other museums that I consider must-see:
Archaeological Museum
Just a short walk from the bustling Riva promenade, the Archaeological Museum is Croatia’s oldest, founded in 1820.
It boasts an impressive collection of artifacts from the Greek and Roman periods, including mosaics, sarcophagi, pottery, and ancient coins.
Also read: My recommended things to do & see in Split
Croatian Maritime Museum
Housed within the historic Gripe Fortress, the Croatian Maritime Museum celebrates the region’s seafaring heritage.
The fortress itself played a pivotal role in defending the city during the 17th century. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on shipbuilding, navigation instruments, and even a collection of model ships.
Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments
Not to be confused with my first recommendation, this is a museum you can reach during my recommended hike on Marjan Hill. It focuses on artifacts from the early medieval period of Croatian history.
It’s the only institution in the country dedicated solely to studying material from the 7th to 15th centuries, and a great place to visit if you have time.
Ivan Meštrović Gallery
No visit to Split is complete without exploring the works of Ivan Meštrović, Croatia’s most renowned sculptor.
The gallery, located in what was once his residence, showcases a vast collection of his sculptures, drawings, and architectural plans. The seaside villa itself is a masterpiece, reflecting Meštrović’s artistic vision.
Address: Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića 46, 21000 Split (marked on Google Maps here).
NOTE: While this gallery is pretty far away from the old town area, it’s close to one of Split’s best beaches, Plaža Ježinac. To learn more about it, but also other options in the area, check out my article sharing the best beaches in Split.
Kaštelet-Crikvine
A short stroll from the Meštrović Gallery brings you to Kaštelet-Crikvine, a 16th-century summer house that Meštrović purchased and renovated.
Inside, you’ll find his magnificent wooden reliefs depicting scenes from the life of Christ. The serene atmosphere here makes it one of my favorite spots to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
Split Live Museum
For a unique, immersive experience, check out the Split Live Museum near the Golden Gate of Diocletian’s Palace.
This interactive attraction brings ancient Roman times to life with actors in authentic costumes portraying emperors, senators, soldiers, and gladiators. The performances are engaging and educational, making history accessible and fun for all ages.
Location: Bosanska ul. 7, 21000 Split
Note: Performances last about 15 minutes and run throughout the day.
Also read: Guide to the Port of Split, Croatia
Froggyland
I wrote about this bizarre museum in my article sharing the most unusual museums in Croatia, but I must mention it again.
This strange museum is dedicated to… stuffed frogs. Actually, we’re talking about an impressive collection of 507 stuffed frogs arranged in 21 cases by the Hungarian taxidermist Mére Ferenc.
He completed the project in 1920, after 10 years of hard work… and trust me when I say that, as strange as it might sound, this is something you don’t want to miss.
Location market here on Google maps.
Museum of Senses (aka Museum of Illusions)
Even though similar in concept, I love museums of illusions. It’s even better if you have never been to one before – because you will find it completely amazing – but even if you had, you will still have fun.
This interactive attraction features a variety of rooms and exhibits that challenge perception and spark curiosity. Visitors can explore optical illusions, tactile installations, and sensory experiences that play with sight, sound, touch, smell, and balance.
Just make sure your phone is fully charged before your visit! You will take a ton of photos here!
Location: Google Maps Link here.
Diocletians Dream
“Diocletian’s Dream” is an innovative virtual reality (VR) experience in Split, Croatia, that offers visitors an immersive trip back to the time of Emperor Diocletian. Utilizing cutting-edge VR technology, this attraction aims to recreate the grandeur of Diocletian’s Palace as it stood in the 4th century AD.
It is a unique attraction, not only in Split but in Croatia too. I’m marking it on Google Maps here.
Conclusion
Split isn’t just a place to see; it’s a place to feel. Its museums and galleries are not mere repositories of objects but living chapters of an ongoing story. Each site visited was a dialogue between past and present, a reminder that history is not behind us but all around us.
Whether you’re an art aficionado, a history buff, or a curious wanderer, Split invites you to be part of its narrative. So l and step into the stories waiting to be lived.
So lace up your shoes, open your heart, and perhaps you’ll find, like I did, that every corner of Split has its own tale to tell.