Discover the Magic of Museum Night in Zadar County: A Rich Program for All Generations

The last Friday in January each year is reserved for the unforgettable Museum Night in Zadar and Zadar County, a cultural event where museums open their doors and offer free admission to all visitors. This is a unique opportunity to explore the history, art, and culture of Zadar, Nin, Benkovac, and surrounding towns, and to see what museums have prepared for 2026.

The 21st Museum Night will take place on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM across Croatia. This year, there is no set theme, allowing museums to design programs according to their interests and current projects (source: Noć muzeja, 27.01.2026). 

Archaeological Museum Zadar and Museum of Nin Antiquities

Museum Night 2026 in Zadar offers a journey through time, from ancient symbols to contemporary records. The Archaeological Museum Zadar presents interactive workshops where visitors can explore how messages were conveyed throughout history and compare ancient methods with modern communication. Participants can create tattoos, stamps, postcards, and interactive photos to take home as a unique souvenir.

The branch in Nin, “Museum of Nin Antiquities”, invites visitors to discover the fascinating traces of the town’s past. A free bus ride from Zadar to Nin is organized: departure at 6:00 PM from the parking lot near Lančana vrata, return at 8:30 PM, accompanied by museum staff Vladimir Kusik and Ivan Čondić. Pre-registration is recommended at +385 23 250 613 (source: Noć muzeja, 27.01.2026).

Locations

Archaeological Museum Zadar: Trg opatice Čike 1, Zadar
Museum of Nin Antiquities: Trg Kraljevac 8, Nin
Departure from Zadar to Nin: Bus drop-off, Liburnska obala 4, Zadar

International Centre for Underwater Archaeology Zadar

The International Centre for Underwater Archaeology opens the doors to the fascinating world of underwater heritage. Visitors can explore the photo exhibition “Life of Sunken Heritage”, revealing hidden sites and marine inhabitants, from octopuses to sea snails.

The “Little Shipwrights” workshop allows participants to build their own model boats and learn ancient shipbuilding techniques. For game enthusiasts, there is the “Heritage on the Move” tournament, while younger visitors can enjoy the creative corner “Little Guardians of the Sea” to draw, write, and color. Guided tours are also available in the St. Nicholas Educational-Presentation Center, bringing underwater history vividly to life (source: Noć muzeja, 27.01.2026). 

Location

International Centre for Underwater Archaeology Zadar: Božidara Petranovića 3, Zadar

Museum of Ancient Glass

For the seventeenth year in a row, the Museum of Ancient Glass participates in Museum Night, offering a rich program for all ages. Visitors can enjoy free admission, meet skilled glassmakers, explore exhibitions, join workshops for children, and participate in a lottery.

This year’s program features two premieres: the new children’s magazine “Kamenčići” (Little Stones) by museum advisers Anamarija Eterović Borzić and Petra Govorčin, and a short documentary film “LUX IN VITRO – Glass Lamps Through Time”, showcasing the history of glass lamps. Museum Night here offers an opportunity to create, watch, and experience the magical world of glass across centuries (source: Noć muzeja, 27.01.2026).

Location

Museum of Ancient Glass: Poljana Zemaljskog odbora 1, Zadar

National Museum Zadar

On Museum Night 2026, Friday, January 30, from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM, the National Museum Zadar opens its doors for visitors to explore history, art, and science. The program includes exhibitions and activities in the Natural History Department, City Guard, City Loggia Exhibition Pavilion, as well as in the Duke’s and Providur’s Palace (II Palace).

Alongside the permanent exhibition “Six Salon Stories” and other fascinating displays, visitors can enjoy a concert by Bacchus Khan, while the youngest guests can participate in storytelling sessions. Photography enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore the digitized analog photo archives of the Natural History Department through the online catalog.

The evening program is enhanced by contributions from the Zadar Concert Office and the City Library of Zadar, creating a night that blends history, music, creativity, and technology. Museum Night at the National Museum Zadar promises an educational, entertaining, and inspiring experience for all generations (source: Noć muzeja, 27.01.2026).

Locations

National Museum Zadar: Poljana pape Aleksandra III 2, Zadar
Natural History Department: Medulićeva 2, Zadar
City Guard: Narodni trg 6, Zadar
City Loggia: Narodni trg 2, Zadar
II Palaces: Trg Petra Zoranića 1, Zadar

Maritime Collection HAZU Zadar

The Maritime Collection at the Institute for Historical Sciences HAZU Zadar showcases the rich maritime heritage of Zadar and northern Dalmatia. For Museum Night, the exhibition includes informational panels and expanded legends, offering deeper insight into the objects.

A special display focuses on maritime accidents, highlighting artifacts connected to shipwrecks, safety, and rescue at sea. Children can enjoy a pedagogical corner for creative activities, while adults and teens can test their detective skills in a workshop searching for a hidden painting from the collection.

Museum Night here offers an interactive journey into the history of the sea, combining education, exploration, and fun (source: Noć muzeja, 27.01.2026).

Location

Maritime Collection HAZU Zadar, Obala kneza Trpimira 8, Zadar

School of Applied Arts and Design Zadar

The School of Applied Arts and Design Zadar invites all art and creativity enthusiasts to explore student works, participate in art history quizzes, and engage in hands-on workshops in visual and applied arts.

This is more than an exhibition, it’s an opportunity to experiment, create, and be inspired, discovering the next generation of Zadar’s artists (source: Noć muzeja, 27.01.2027). 

Location

The School of Applied Arts and Design Zadar: Perivoj Vladimira Nazora 3/III, Zadar

Permanent Exhibition of Church Art Zadar

The Permanent Exhibition of Church Art Zadar opens from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM with a program designed for all ages, combining history, art, and creativity.

Visitors can explore two exhibitions, including “King Koloman and Zadar”, and participate in guided tours revealing the value of local sacral heritage. Workshops for high school and university students allow participants to connect with history through practice, making the art come alive (source: Noć muzeja, 27.01.2026).

Location

The Permanent Exhibition of Church Art Zadar: Trg opatice Čike 1, Zadar

University of Zadar: Department of Archaeology

The Department of Archaeology at the University of Zadar opens its doors for all visitors, showcasing the expanded permanent exhibition and the special display “How Ancient Romans Were Buried”.

Archaeologists discovered a Roman necropolis on the New Campus in 2025, and excavations are ongoing. Visitors can see artifacts and learn about the latest findings, experiencing archaeology first-hand. Interactive workshops for all ages, including a mini archaeological dig for children, make history hands-on and engaging (source: Noć muzeja, 27.01.2026).

Location

University of Zadar: Obala kralja Petra Krešimira IV, 2, Zadar

Heritage Museum Benkovac

The Zavičajni Museum Benkovac is open from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM with free admission. Visitors can explore local historical artifacts and the rich heritage of Benkovac.

At 8:00 PM, a quiz on museum collections and city history will take place in the multimedia hall, offering a fun and interactive way to test knowledge and uncover fascinating stories about the region (source: Noć muzeja, 27.01.2026).

Location

Heritage Museum Benkovac: Obitelji Benković 6, Benkovac

Experience the Unforgettable Night of Museums in Zadar County

From ancient artifacts to underwater wonders, creative workshops, concerts, and interactive games, Museum Night 2026 in Zadar County offers something for every interest and age group. Whether you are a history enthusiast, art lover, or family looking for a fun cultural experience, this is the perfect night to explore, create, and be inspired.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to touch the past, discover hidden treasures, and immerse yourself in a night full of discovery and inspiration!