Love might not always be grand, but it’s certainly poignant. Nestled in the diverse city of Zagreb, Croatia, lies the Museum of Broken Relationships—a tribute to love that once was, but for various reasons, couldn’t endure. During my leisurely stroll through Zagreb, I stumbled upon this intriguing museum while descending one of the city’s hills.
Initially, I was brainstorming for a Valentine’s Day post but drew a blank. Valentine’s Day has always seemed like a commercial holiday to me, where love and affection feel like obligatory gestures dictated by the calendar. Real love, in my opinion, is best expressed spontaneously and from the heart, not because of a marked date. Perhaps this idealistic view is part of why I’m still single, but I digress.
Despite my struggle to craft a typical Valentine’s Day post, I remembered my visit to the Museum of Broken Relationships a few months ago and thought it might make a compelling story—not for Valentine’s Day, but perhaps for any day.
Situated in the upper town of Zagreb, this museum has quickly become a must-visit destination in the city. I hadn’t heard of it prior, but the buzz from other passersby piqued my curiosity, and I ventured inside. I learned that the museum even has traveling exhibits around the globe, making it a truly international testament to lost love. And the experience is quite affordable at just 20 Kuna (around $3.50 USD).
The museum showcases a fascinating collection of artifacts donated by heartbroken lovers worldwide, with many pieces originating from the Balkan region. Each item comes with a story—often tinged with melancholy—detailing the love that once was and why the item holds particular significance. I can only imagine the catharsis donors must feel, letting go of their relics and sharing their personal tales with the world, albeit anonymously.
The exhibits range from the quirky and humorous to the deeply poignant, reflecting the broad spectrum of human emotions. One particularly adorable—and yet profoundly sad—example is a small teddy bear. Reading its backstory, I pondered what the owner went through and if they felt any relief from relinquishing such a personal keepsake.
What I found most compelling were the human elements behind the objects. Each artifact holds a piece of someone’s history, revealing what they cherished most in a relationship and felt compelled to share. Some items were simple, yet the emotions tied to them were complex and moving, especially those belonging to individuals who have passed away. These were some of the most heart-wrenching stories, illustrating the lasting impact of love and loss.
Then there were the items representing more unconventional responses to heartache—like a piece of destroyed furniture from a therapeutic rage. It’s a reminder that everyone copes with loss in their own unique way.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Museum of Broken Relationships. It’s a unique and captivating stop that added depth to my travels through Eastern Europe. Its affordability made it all the more appealing, but even beyond that, the experience was invaluable.
