The Grand Opening of the Major Pop Art Exhibition from the Infeld Collection at the Juraj Šporer Arts Pavilion

The opening of the long-awaited exhibition featuring works from the prestigious Austrian Infeld Collection attracted exceptional interest from both local and wider audiences. According to official figures, nearly 800 visitors gathered in and outside the Juraj Šporer Arts Pavilion to mark the official start of this major cultural event and witness firsthand the arrival of some of the 20th century’s most iconic artworks.

An Explosion of Colour and Mass Culture Iconography

For this occasion, the Juraj Šporer Pavilion transformed into a hub of visual dynamism, filled with the vibrant colours, humour, and mass-culture motifs that define Pop Art as a movement.

The exhibition features 42 original works by leading figures of the American and European Pop Art scenes. Visitors have a unique opportunity to view:

Iconic silkscreen prints by Andy Warhol, including famous portraits of Marilyn Monroe and Mao Zedong, as well as his album cover design for The Rolling Stones,
Roy Lichtenstein’s signature Benday dots and motifs, inspired by comic book aesthetics,
Works by Keith Haring, whose visual symbols defined street and gallery art in the late 20th century,
Pieces by other giants of the movement, prominently featuring Mel Ramos, Kiki Kogelnik, Allen Jones, and Steve Kaufman.

Official Ceremony and Opening Remarks

The official programme commenced with an address by Dr Nataša Ivančević, Director of the Croatian Museum of Tourism. In her speech, she highlighted that this exhibition represents a remarkable cultural milestone for Opatija and a continuation of the museum’s mission to bring top-tier domestic and international art to both local and international audiences.

Curator of the Infeld Collection, Dr Yordanka Weiss, spoke about the history, profile, and importance of the collection itself. She noted that this private collection has been patiently and systematically built for over six decades and today encompasses its own cultural centres in Austria and Croatia, alongside its exhibition activities. Dr Weiss also conveyed warm greetings from the owner of the collection, Mrs Zdenka Infeld, who was unable to attend the ceremony in person.

The exhibition was officially declared open by the Mayor of Opatija, Fernando Kirigin. Recalling his first encounters with this impressive collection at its gallery space in Dobrinj on the island of Krk, the Mayor expressed great satisfaction that such a significant body of work is now accessible to the residents and visitors of Opatija in the very heart of the town.

Fantastic Atmosphere and Partner Support

The formal event was accompanied by a rich supporting programme. The Vedran Ružić Trio provided the musical backdrop with smooth jazz rhythms throughout the evening, while guests enjoyed refreshments featuring Cannella Liqueur cocktails and other beverages, realised with the support of the Trafika agency.