The works of Jozo Kljaković (1889–1969), a prominent Croatian painter, reflect his versatility – from mural painting and illustration to set and costume design. His frescoes can be found in the Church of St Mark in Zagreb, and his mosaics on the façade of the College of St Jerome in Rome.
A significant facet of his oeuvre was his collaboration with Dubrovnik theatre professionals. As a set designer, he created the visual identity of numerous theatrical performances inspired by the rich history and cultural heritage of this city.
In the 1920s, he worked on the sets for Antun Dobronić’s operas Dubravka and Dubrovnik Diptych. The latter, based on Marin Držić’s Novela od Stanca, premiered on 14 February 1925 at the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. Kljaković’s sets faithfully captured the Dubrovnik ambience, thus contributing to the authenticity of the presentation.
The exhibition Kljaković’s Costume Design for the Dubrovnik Diptych, a collaboration realised by the Jozo Kljaković Memorial Collection, the Croatian Museum of Tourism and the Profokus School in Zagreb, presents a selection of drawings, sketches and costume designs that shaped the theatrical interpretation of historical themes. Kljaković’s costumes are not only a reflection of the era, but also a testament to his sense of symbolism, colour, and character stylisation.
Opatija’s hosting of this exhibition confirms the importance of cooperation between cultural and educational institutions, emphasising the role of museums, galleries and universities in disseminating artistic heritage and professional knowledge. The Croatian Museum of Tourism – an institution that explores the relationships between culture, history and travel – is the ideal platform for presenting artworks that transcend local boundaries and become part of a wider cultural network.
Cooperation with the Profokus School, a renowned educational institution for fashion and costume design, confers particular prestige to this exhibition.
As a cultural and tourist centre with a long tradition, Opatija offers this exceptional opportunity to present Kljaković’s theatrical imagination in a new context – one that combines art, education and travel.
The exhibition opening will take place on Friday, March 21st at 6 pm at the Croatian Museum of Tourism in Opatija. The exhibition will run until May 4th, 2025.
Organisers: Croatian Museum of Tourism, Art Education Centre of the City of Zagreb, Jozo Kljaković Individual Memorial Collection
On behalf of the organisers: Vesna Leiner, acting director, Anja Planinčić, director
Exhibition author: Lidija Fištrek, PhD
Photos: Jozo Kljaković Memorial Collection, National and University Library in Zagreb, music collection Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Division for the History of the Croatian Theatre
Media promotion: Ivan Modrić
Croatian proofreading: Valentina Sablić
Leaflet translation: Adverbum d.o.o.
Leaflet design and layout: Branko Lenić
Poster and invitation design and layout: Krešimir Glogolja
Exhibition design and layout: dr. sc. Lidija Fištrek and Branka Vučetić Atletić
Exhibition technical coordinator: Grupa BLU d.o.o. – Giulio Bonačić
Print: Trampi d.o.o.
