I never thought a museum could do that. Although I've always enjoyed art, in its many forms, and am quite sensitive to it, tears have never been a part of my usual museum-going repertoire. Until today.
Arriving in Zagreb, I started looking online for things to actually do/see whilst here (I know, I'm such an organized traveler). And immediately, when I saw something called The Museum of Broken Relationships, I knew I had to go here. It just sounded too good to pass up. Now, I had my doubts, worrying it was little more than a cutesy, hipster-y overpriced tourist trap, but I figured I'd take a chance.
Basically, the idea behind the Museum of Broken Relationships began as a traveling display, and eventually settled as a permanent museum. Their collection of art is made up entirely of donated objects from around the world, all somehow related to a vital relationship in the donor's life (and accompanied by a note, telling the story).
Now, I'll admit I was feeling melancholic already, before visiting, so maybe that explains it, but some of the displays just hit me so hard. In short, it was everything an artist like myself would want to see in a museum, because each item was so imbued with character and story. Some were funny. Others were vengeful. Many of them were tragic.
And to be able to feel that, the weight of relationships from thousands of miles away, across the decades (since some of these stories began or took place entirely all the way back in the 40s or 60s), it was an immensely moving experience.
What looked like four small rooms upon entering took over an hour. And I'm a fast museum-goer. I'm mostly like 'okay, cute, let's move on'. Not here. Here, moving on quickly from the exhibits that didn't interest me, I still managed to while away the time, drifting from one favored exhibit to another.
I'll share some of my favorites with you. I don't know why, they weren't always the saddest, or perhaps most moving, but to me, each of these had something that made me snap a shot.
This one because it reminded me of Cixin Liu's Three-Body Problem Trilogy, which I only just finished. Possibly one of the best books I've ever read, everything-wise:
And for some comedic levity:
The two that made me cry aren't here. I only photographed the text for one, but not the object, for it bore no relevance to me. The other, I did not photograph at all, it was just too sad, and too intimate. Still, I hope these are as amazing to you as they were to me. Although I still plan to see other things whilst here, hands down, this one will be my favorite museum in this country, at least.
What a fun museum. I like that it's a rather somber subject but doesn't take itself too seriously. It's nice to see playfulness manifested in physical space, in a world where real estate is so dear.
So glad you liked the Three Body Problem. One of those books that really makes your head tingle and explode.
Yes, it really is. I like idea places like this one.
I so did! I am now sadly at a loss of good books to read, once again. If only I knew someone with a vast knowledge of books to guide me..
Hmm... If you're up for some light, mid-20th-century space adventure (since you've been reading sci-fi) give Jack Vance a try. It's been good reading for me while not in the mood for more "serious" fare, and he's a hell of a storyteller. Definitely not PC by today's standards. Sometimes the women need rescuing, but sometimes they're damn capable and tough, too.
The prose is exquisite, and the characters are pretty well rounded for "pulp" fiction. Also he has an interesting take on the repercussions of faster-than-light travel on politics and culture, and the lawlessness that would result beyond the bounds of civilized space if it became widely available to anyone with the money for a spaceship.
I really enjoyed The Demon Princes series. It's a revenge story carried across five volumes, though each stands on its own. Not to spoil anything, but the fourth, The Face, has just about the most satisfying ending I've ever encountered in a book.
Coming from you, that's high-praise, indeed. Okay, thank you! I guess some not so serious fare might just do the trick. Although, gotta say, women who need rescuing -- gasp. How have we not burned these books yet?
Seriously though, cheers.
That's an interesting idea for a museum. Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes. Often the hellos are exciting and the goodbyes are tragic. But it's so central to life and we can all relate. So I think broken relationships / goodbyes is a good idea for a museum.
I also like the idea of a written story and an object. Kind of appealing to anyone who likes literature and/or art. I imagine I'd shed a tear in there too. Art, literature, music - all emotionally evocative for me. And I have a bit of a problem with goodbyes/break-ups/abandonment. But I think most of us do.
The writers are actually a bit crazy, a different kind of zoo at all
What an unusual museum! Thanks for sharing.
What a super creative concept for a museum. This is what art is supposed to do--make us think, feel emotions, etc. I think those AI Art platforms have a long way to go in that regard!