A youthful Ivan Mestrovic

Ivan Mestrović was born in Vrlpolje, Croatia in 1883 and died in Indiana USA in 1962. He was Croatia’s most famous sculptor, painter, architect, and writer. Many of his works won recognition and awards. He lived and worked in many European centres of art and culture, (Rome Paris, London, Cannes Geneva, and Zagreb) After WWII he emigrated to the United States. President Dwight Eisenhower personally handed Mestrović his US Passport in 1954 when he became a US citizen.

Today his works are exhibited in renowned European and American museums and galleries including the Vatican. His art has been compared to that of Michelangelo and Rodin.

The Mestrovic Gallery in Split houses many of the masterpieces, carved in marble, bronze, and wood. The gallery was built in 1931 to Mestrovic’s design and was intended to be his family home, working and exhibition space.

One of the master’s most famous sculptures is ‘Gregor Ninski” (Gregorius of Nin) The Church of the Holy Cross in the little town of Nin near Zadar, is where Croatian catholicism was born in the 9th century, and it was Bishop Gregorius who, in the 10th century, fought for the right to use old Croatian language to be used in liturgical services.

A copy of this powerful work of art is at the Golden Gate. The entrance to the Diocletian Palace is a defining image of Split. (Rub his big toe for good luck.)

Mestrovic’s famous ‘Grgur Ninski’

Mestrovic’s ‘Gregory of Nin’ (Grgur Ninski) at the Church of the Holy Cross, IX Century.

Where it all began…Croatian Catholic Religion was born here at the Church of the Holy Cross in Nin in the 9th Century.

‘Croatian History’ by Ivan Mestovic

The Mestrovic Atelier in Zagreb, is situated in the Upper Town at Mletacka 8, off St Mark’s Square. It’s a day I’ll never forget as we visited?and admired the strength and beauty of his works.

Today, I am happy to say, I find myself living only metres away from?the gallery in Split on Mestrovicova Walkway. ?My apartment, overlooking the Adriatic, is?in a part of?the city?that Mestrovic much loved and where he decided to build his home. Needless to say,?Ivan Mestrovich has a special place in my heart.

Mestrovic Gallery Zagreb

Woman in Marble

Mother and Child carved in wood.

The Mestrovic Gallery in Split is a pleasant 15-minute stroll from the city centre. The gallery is located at Setaliste Ivan Mestrovic 46, Split. Visit www.mestrovic.hr?An escorted tour is available and is highly recommended. There is an upmarket cafe in the gallery gardens and is very popular for weddings and other celebrations.

The hours are Tues – Sun 9.00-19.00. May-Sept and 9.00-15.00 Oct-April. Entrance fees are 12.00 Euro per person for Adults and discounts for children and groups. The gallery is closed on public holidays and Mondays.

The Mestrovic Atelier in Zagreb is located in the Upper Town at Mletacka 8, Zagreb Hours are 10.00 – 18.00 Tues -Sat and 10.00-14.00 on Sunday.