Though calm and tame, Zagreb County is the site of centuries of stormy history, and over time it has amassed a wealth of cultural heritage. Every corner hides something distinctive, its own legacy that it proudly nurtures and shares. Museums are the best protectors of the local identity, places where the unique story of an area is best told. If we let them, these seemingly humble institutions from the Zagreb surroundings will turn your visit into an exciting adventure to enrich the mind and broaden your horizons.

1. Samobor Museum

The long and interesting history of the big little town of Samobor and its surroundings has been collected in this charming noble palace. The museum includes archaeological, geological, ethnographic, cultural, historical and artistic collections. In addition to the museum, don’t miss out on a visit to the Prica Gallery, Lang Gallery or the first private museum, the Marton museum.

2. Donja Kupčina Local Heritage Museum

This outdoor museum in the Pisarovina municipality is a collection of authentic village houses with their outbuildings, and a collection of ethnographic artefacts to transport us back to an almost forgotten time at the turn of the 20^th century.

3. St. Barbara Mines, Rude

A part of the once famous copper and iron mines, with almost 500 years of tradition, has been transformed into an authentic museum depicting the mining history of this area. The experience is rounded out by the 1.5 km botanical educational trail.

4. Sveti Ivan Zelina Museum

Originally just a local heritage collection, the Sveti Ivan Zelina Museum today houses a grand collection of artefacts originating from prehistoric times to the present, categorised into 17 collections, and providing the best overview of life in the town and its environs.

5. Brdovec Museum

A peaceful municipality in the far northwest of Zagreb County, the museum is housed in an Art Nouveau age building and exhibits collections displaying the long history of Zaprešić and the surrounding areas, from the end of the western slopes of Mt. Medvednica to the Sutla River.

6. Ivanić-Grad Museum

Only opened in 2016, this enterprising museum has already become established as a treasury for the heritage of Ivanić-Grad, exhibiting the history, ethnography, and natural treasures of the region. The museum is also an active participant in the life of the local community.

7. Matija Skurjeni Museum

Matija Skurjeni, a world renowned Croatian painter of the naïve school with an impressive biography, donated his entire collection to the town of Zaprešić in 1984 for a future gallery. Since then, the gallery has grown into a museum featuring his life and work, which is housed in the unique complex of the Novi Dvori.

8. Turopolje Museum

Situated in the old town council building since 1960, this museum and its ethnography, cultural, historical, archaeological and art collections provide insight into the most diverse aspects of life in Turopolje.

9. Jastrebarsko Museum and Gallery

The town museum and gallery are situated in the refurbished old town council building that was built in 1826. The museum houses collections displaying the archaeological, cultural, historical and ethnographic heritage of the Jastrebarsko region. The famous Royal Bull charter issued by King Bela IV on 12 January 1257 granting Jastrebarsko the status of a free royal town, is kept here. Near Jastrebarsko, in the town of Krašić, be sure to visit the Memorial Room of the Blessed Alojzije Stepinac.

10. Okić Ethno House

In the natural environment just outside Samobor is this picturesque household, which is also an original rural estate where time stands still. Visit the excursion area and take part in the activities offered, from educational workshops to sporting activities, and visit the heritage collection. Enjoy a delicious meal. Accommodation also offered.

11. Žumberak Uskok Museum

This museum was opened in 2006 on St. George’s Day, the patron saint of the parish, in the former outbuilding of the parish court in Stojdraga. It houses a valuable collection of ethnographic items which were used in the daily life of the Žumberak residents until recently. If you have never seen a hemp comb, or have no idea what wooden troughs are used for, don’t miss out on visiting this interesting place. A little further away, in the settlement of Sošice, the convent of the Sisters of St. Basil houses a valuable ethnographic collection.