Opatija wrote a new chapter in its rich cultural history last night! In the beautiful, solemn atmosphere of Villa Angiolina, the first section of the new permanent exhibition, titled “Villa Angiolina – The Story of Opatija”, was officially opened.
This highly significant event attracted a massive number of visitors, and the immense public interest was best shown by the fact that people were waiting in line in front of the exhibition itself just to step inside and experience this modern and interactive museum display.
Solemn Speeches and Gratitude: Who Addressed the Audience?
The opening ceremony began with speeches from distinguished guests who emphasized the exceptional importance of this project for both the city of Opatija and Croatia’s cultural heritage.
As the first speaker, the director of the Croatian Museum of Tourism, Nataša Ivančević, PhD, welcomed the numerous guests and introduced the new exhibition.
A particularly touching and emotional moment of the evening occurred when Director Ivančević read a letter sent to the Museum by a representative of the family of the villa’s builders, Matteo Scarpa. In his letter, the Scarpa family expressed their immense satisfaction and sincere gratitude for the realization of a project that presents the history of Villa Angiolina and the family who built it in such a modern, dignified, and heartfelt way.
Following this emotional moment, the author of the concept and texts, Vesna Leiner, took the stage to share the vision behind the entire project:
“Villa Angiolina is not just an architectural object. It is a symbol of an idea and a time. Its rooms reflect social changes, the development of travel, the birth of health tourism, and the shaping of Opatija as a European destination. We wanted to bring this heritage closer to a modern audience and show that history is not something distant and closed, but rather a space for encounters, experiences, and personal connection.”
In her speech, the author expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the entire team of researchers, translators, proofreaders, technicians, and partners who worked diligently for months to make this project a reality. She gave special recognition to the exhibition and visual identity designer, Nikolina Jelavić Mitrović, noting that their close collaboration beautifully connected the historical content with the elegant space of the villa.
The Mayor of Opatija, Fernando Kirigin, then addressed the crowd, highlighting that the thorough renovation of Villa Angiolina is one of the city’s most important projects in recent years. He pointed out that the new permanent exhibition is the result of nearly two years of intensive research and represents the first step toward a modern museum space, with further enhancements of the villa continuing in the future.
Finally, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture and Media, the Director of the Directorate for Archives, Libraries, and Museums, Anuška Deranja Crnokić, MSc, greeted the attendees and had the honor of officially declaring this first section of the permanent exhibition open.
A Blend of Historical Authenticity and Modern Technology
The new permanent exhibition tells the story of the villa where the development of Opatija as a tourist destination first began in an innovative and modern way. Inside, visitors can explore a wealth of exhibits:
- Exclusive Historical Material: For the first time, the public can view a previously unknown portrait of a young, 17-year-old Angiolina Scarpa (née Sartorio), original miniatures, as well as photographs of Count Viktor Pavel Chorinsky’s family.
- Multimedia and Interactive Content: History comes alive through technology – featuring stereoscopic displays, a virtual journey to late 19th-century Opatija, and the fun, educational game “Drawer of Secrets”.
- A Multisensory Experience: The exhibition engages all the senses. Visitors can step onto a historical Opatija promenade, pose in period costumes, send a personalized postcard, and even smell the scent of laurel, which has long defined Opatija’s parks.
A Touch of the 19th Century in Angiolina Park
The entire opening ceremony in the park outside the villa was further enriched by the Veljak Quartet, who performed a repertoire inspired by the musical heritage of the 19th century. Costumed historical interpreters portraying Iginio and Angiolina Scarpa added a magical touch, strolling through the park in beautiful period suits and crinolines to mingle with the guests.
The Croatian Museum of Tourism would like to thank everyone who shared this historic moment with us. The new permanent exhibition of Villa Angiolina is now open to all visitors – come, explore, and feel the spirit of the era that shaped Opatija as we know it today!
