If you read our roundup of the best museum openings happening across the world this year, you’ll know that there are some pretty quirky institutions out there – from a Nintendo museum to a wine museum, a museum of homelessness to a museum all about canoes.
And another kooky little spot to have on your radar has just opened in Zagreb. The Croatian capital is now home to Cravaticum – Museum Boutique of the Cravat – and yes, it’s all about neckties.
The museum promises exhibitions that document the evolution of the humble tie since it was introduced to the world by Croatian soldiers over 400 years ago. There are also curated artefacts and works by contemporary local artists.
‘The museum’s concept and ethos is to illustrate the historic significance of neckties and contribute to the worldwide promotion of Croatia, as a homeland of the cravat,’ said the museum in a press release.
Display items range from uniforms of Cravat regiments to works by Juraj Zigman, a renowned Croatian designer who has worked with the likes of Beyoncé and Christina Aguilera. There’s even a ‘showstoppers’ category, including a tie made of bulletproof material and a 3D exhibit featuring horses.
While this all sounds rather fun (if just a tad bizarre) it’s not Croatia’s only whacky museum. The country is also home to the museum of broken relationships, the museum of hangovers and froggyland, which is a museum of the taxidermy of – you guessed it – frogs.
Intrigued to learn about the history of neckties? Cravaticum is open between 10am and 8pm daily, with tickets at €8 for adults, €5 for students and entry is free for children aged seven or younger.
Here are our top picks for the weirdest and coolest museum openings happening across the world this year, and here is our page on the best things to do in Zagreb.
Did you see that these are the world’s most powerful passports in 2024?
Plus: Italy just launched a brand-new summer sleeper train between Rome and the coast.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news.