Arheoloski Muzej Istre
Carrarina 3
Tel. (052) 218 603
+385 052351300
Official site
Open: Jun- Sep: 8am- 9am daily
Oct- May: 8:30am- 4:30pm Mon- Sat
The Archaeological Museum of Istria (Arheološki muzej Istre, AMI), located in Pula, Croatia, is a premier institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the region's extensive archaeological heritage. Established in the early 20th century, it serves as a vital center for research, education, and public engagement, housing over 10,000 artifacts that span from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages. The museum not only showcases Istria's material culture but also manages several dislocated historical sites, including the Pula Amphitheater (Arena), the Temple of Augustus, and the ancient settlement of Nesactium. Spread across a 3,600-square-meter facility on the slopes of Kaštel hill, it integrates prehistoric, Roman, and medieval collections in a didactic and visually engaging manner. As of 2025, the main building is undergoing reconstruction, but its extensions and associated sites remain open, allowing visitors to explore Istria's millennial history through interactive exhibitions, workshops, and virtual tours.
The museum's origins date back to 1802, when French Marshal Auguste
de Marmont initiated the collection of stone monuments within Pula's
Temple of Augustus, laying the foundation for a formal museum. This
effort expanded in the 19th century with discoveries at sites like
Nesactium, leading to the establishment of the Museo Civico (City
Museum) in 1902, initially housed near the Arch of the Sergii. In 1925,
under Italian administration, it merged with the State Collection of
stone monuments and the Provincial Museum from Poreč to form the Royal
Museum of Istria (Regio Museo dell'Istria), relocating to a repurposed
Austrian school building. The museum opened to the public in 1930 with
an Italian-language guidebook.
Post-World War II, during the
Anglo-American administration, many artifacts were transferred to Italy,
prompting a reorganization. In 1947, it was renamed the Archaeological
Museum of Istria. Partial restitution of objects occurred in 1961,
enabling gradual renovations and the development of a representative
exhibition concept. The lapidarium and ground-floor halls reopened in
1968, followed by the prehistoric collection on the first floor and
Roman, Late Roman, and medieval exhibits on the second floor in 1973.
Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the museum has continuously
enriched its holdings through excavations at Istrian sites, including
prehistoric caves, hillforts, Roman complexes, and early Christian
structures. Recent efforts include collaborations with international
archaeologists and expansions like the Gallery C8 for contemporary
interpretations, solidifying its role in promoting Istrian heritage amid
Croatia's EU integration.
The museum occupies a historic building constructed in 1890 as
the State German High School (an Austrian secondary school),
featuring a brick masonry structure with a distinctive comb-shaped
(E-form) floor plan. It includes a basement, ground floor, two upper
floors, and an attic, with walls built from massive stone blocks for
durability. Situated on the eastern edge of a prehistoric hillfort
and the Roman colony of Pola, the site incorporates ancient elements
like the Roman Double Gate (Twin Gate), which serves as the main
entrance—a remnant of the original Roman town entry. An open-air
lapidarium in the park displays stone monuments, while the adjacent
Small Roman Theater enhances the historical ambiance.
Renovations
by ING-GRAD included extensions on the western side, adding
rectangular wings that match the original levels and feature a flat,
walkable roof accessible from the attic. Archaeological monitoring
during these works uncovered ancient walls, mosaics, amphorae, and
medieval bells from the 14th-15th centuries. Modern additions
emphasize functionality: cascading ramps connect varying floor
heights for seamless visitor flow, and a 327-square-meter LED facade
screen—nearly transparent when off—enables multimedia events with
160-degree visibility. The design prioritizes natural light,
accessibility (though limited for those with disabilities), and
integration with the surrounding park, creating an immersive
environment that bridges ancient ruins with contemporary
presentation.
The museum's permanent exhibition is methodically organized across
floors to trace Istria's cultural evolution. The ground floor houses
architectural highlights in the lapidarium, including Roman tombstones
and sculptures that narrate ancient inhabitants' lives. The first floor
focuses on prehistoric artifacts from the Paleolithic to Bronze Age,
featuring tools, pottery, weapons, jewelry, and finds from Histri
necropolises and hillforts. The second floor displays Roman, Late Roman,
and medieval collections, encompassing glassware, metal objects,
pottery, sculptures, and interlace-ornament pieces from early Christian,
Byzantine, and Slavic settlement periods.
Notable artifacts include
the renowned "Punishment of Dirce" Roman mosaic (discovered post-WWII
bombing), Illyrian finds, Amphitheater-era items, medieval Glagolitic
calligraphy, and reconstructions of Roman villas. The museum also
maintains specialized departments: Archaeological (with Numismatic and
emerging Underwater Archaeology collections), Documentation, Library,
Education, and Conservation-Restoration. Temporary exhibitions,
workshops (e.g., mosaic-making), and dislocated sites like the Arena
(with gladiatorial displays) and Gallery C8 (contemporary art tied to
archaeology) provide dynamic experiences. Collections grow annually
through excavations, ensuring relevance and depth.
As Croatia's most visited museum, attracting around 600,000 visitors
annually, the AMI plays a pivotal role in safeguarding Istria's identity
as a crossroads of civilizations—from Illyrian tribes to Roman colonists
and Slavic settlers. It fosters education through programs for all ages,
supports ongoing research at sites like Dvigrad, and contributes to
Pula's UNESCO-nominated historic ensemble by managing key monuments. Its
emphasis on sustainable preservation and global collaborations
underscores its cultural importance in the Adriatic region.
For
visitors, the museum is at Carrarina ul. 3, 52100 Pula, near the Twin
Gate and Zerostrasse entrance; parking details are available online.
While the main building is closed for renovation (expected reopening
post-2021, check updates), dislocated sites operate normally. Hours vary
seasonally—year-round access with extended summer slots; consult the
website for specifics on AMI, Arena, and Temple of Augustus. Tickets are
affordably priced (exact fees via schedule); free entry during events
like Museum Night. Professional guided tours must be booked in advance;
photography requires permission. Contact: +385 (0)52 351 300,
info@ami-pula.hr, www.ami-pula.hr. Accessibility is limited for those
with disabilities; virtual tours offer alternatives. Pair visits with
nearby sites for a comprehensive Pula experience.