From spacecraft models to glass beehives containing live bees, this quirky museum showcases mechanical and engineering treasures.
Housed in a vast space, this museum’s unusual yet engaging exhibits have made it a firm favorite among both families and individuals. The focus is on all things technical, with diverse topics ranging from firefighting and beekeeping to mining and space travel. Bring the kids along and spend a few hours marveling at the entertaining exhibits, watch a demonstration highlighting the work of pioneering Croatian scientist Nikola Tesla and go stargazing in the planetarium.
Established in 1954, the museum is intended to explain and help popularize all things related to science, engineering and technology. The museum moved to its current home, a warehouse-style wooden building, in 1958. Originally constructed to house the Zagreb Fair, the building now has protected status, but the real treasure is what is held inside.
Step aboard the museum tram for a fun ride. Discover the means and methods of extinguishing blazes at the firefighting exhibit. Among the displays are various pieces of outdated firefighting equipment, as well as old fire engines including horse-drawn fire carriages. From here, move on to the geology and mining display to learn how minerals and ore were extracted in times past. Take a guided tour into the replica mineshaft stretching for 1,150 feet (350 meters) below the museum.
Be sure to see the astronautics section, which tracks the early development of space travel through model spacecraft, rocket carriers and orbit stations. This section also features a planetarium, where you can gaze up to the starry night sky. The exhibit focused on Croatian scientist Nikola Tesla is also worth seeking out. Time your visit here to coincide with the live demonstrations, where museum staff enact experiments using various scientific gadgets that were invented by Telsa.
Zagreb’s Technical Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Reach the area by taking the tram to Tehnički Muzej stop. There is an admission free to enter, but children under 7 are exempt. Call ahead to arrange a guided tour.
