Culture Ministry Completes Energy Upgrades at 35 Cultural Institutions

Croatia’s Culture and Media Ministry has energy-renovated 35 cultural-institution buildings over the past five years, using more than 43 million euros from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

The work covers more than 70,000 square meters, an area larger than two Diocletian’s Palaces, according to the ministry. Museums, libraries, archives, theaters, galleries and historic buildings in different parts of Croatia were included. The ministry said the renovations reduced energy consumption and maintenance costs while improving conditions for preserving cultural heritage, working and hosting visitors, and running cultural programs. In smaller communities, it added, these institutions often serve as local cultural centers.

One of the highlighted projects is the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments in Split, a building designed by architect Mladen Kauzlarić in 1976. The project installed an efficient climate-control system and rooftop photovoltaic plant, renovated the facade of the museum’s administrative building, insulated the entire roof and replaced outdated installations. The ministry said the work created conditions for a new permanent exhibition. Previously, poor conditions had allowed the museum to display only a quarter of its collection.

The Meštrović Gallery on the slopes of Marjan was also renovated. In Rijeka, work was completed on the Governor’s Palace and the University Library, which Culture and Media Minister Nina Obuljen Koržinek visited on September 4. Other projects included the State Archive in Gospić, the City Museum in Bjelovar, Crijević-Pucić Summer Residence in Dubrovnik and Varaždin Old Town. In Šibenik, renovations covered the Croatian National Theatre, Šibenik City Museum and Juraj Šižgorić City Library.

The funding call covered publicly owned buildings used for cultural activities, individually protected cultural property, or buildings within protected cultural and historic areas that had not been damaged by earthquakes. Projects had to promise at least 30% annual energy savings. After renovation, savings generally reached about 70% or more.

Measures included thermal insulation, more efficient windows and doors, heat pumps, upgraded heating, cooling and ventilation systems, LED lighting, photovoltaic plants and solar systems. Depending on the building, projects also included water-saving measures, damp remediation, earthquake reinforcement and improved fire safety.