Help us bring music home again. Donate to HGZ
For almost two centuries, the Croatian Music Institute (Hrvatski glazbeni zavod) has stood at the heart of Croatian musical and cultural life. Founded in 1827 as a society of music lovers inspired by Vienna’s Musikverein, it began shaping Zagreb’s public concert life more than two decades before the modern City of Zagreb itself was officially formed.
Opening music to the public. First civic music school
What started as a gathering of enthusiasts soon became something much larger: a place that opened music to the public, established one of the first civic music schools in the region, and helped create the foundations of Croatian musical culture. The first regular public concerts in Zagreb began with performances by the Institute’s amateur orchestra in April 1827.
Throughout its history, the Croatian Music Institute brought together some of the most important names, not only in Croatian music and culture, but in the world, such as Franz Liszt, Richard Strauss, Igor Stravinski, Sergej Prokofiev, Arthur Rubenstein, Maksim Mrvica and Petrit Çeku. Their music, ideas and ambition shaped generations. Their spirit still lives within HGZ today.
Board of Directors of the Croatian Music Institute, 1927
First concert hall in Zagreb presented by Emperor Franz Joseph I
In 1876, through the generosity of patrons, philanthropists and citizens who believed culture belongs to everyone, the Institute opened the first purpose-built concert hall in Zagreb, still widely praised for its astounding acoustics. It was not built by the state, but by people who understood that music has the power to shape society, inspire communities and leave something meaningful for future generations. The building was expanded in 1895 and ceremonially opened by Emperor Franz Joseph I himself.
Over time, the building became far more than a concert venue. It became a place of first encounters with music, unforgettable performances, friendships, memories and generations of artistic life. Protected as a cultural monument since 1989 and officially recognised as a cultural heritage site since 2002, the HGZ building remains one of Zagreb’s most important cultural landmarks.
Photograph of the Croatian Music Institute building from 1977
The earthquake
Then, in 2020, a devastating earthquake struck Zagreb.
The historic hall was heavily damaged and forced to close its doors. But the story of HGZ did not stop there.
Today, while the building undergoes a complete restoration and transformation, the Croatian Music Institute is preparing for a new chapter: one that honours tradition while opening boldly toward the future. New spaces, new programmes and new experiences are being created with a single idea in mind: to bring (classical) music closer to people again.
On January 1st, 2027, exactly 200 years after its founding, HGZ will reopen its doors. Not simply as a restored building, but as a renewed home for culture, creativity and community.
Croatian Music Institute was struck hard by a massive earthquake in 2020
Musicians in the Grand Concert Hall, 20th century photo
Together, we keep the music alive
As one of the rare independent cultural institutions in this part of Europe, HGZ continues to rely on the support of people who believe culture matters. Every donation helps rebuild not only a hall, but future memories: a child touching piano keys for the first time, a family discovering classical music together, young artists finding their stage, and audiences once again feeling at home inside a place that has shaped the city’s cultural identity for generations.
For 200 years, music lived here.
Now, together, we can ensure it continues to live for generations to come.
Scan the barcode with your banking app and help future generations discover music, wonder and belonging.
