The amazing restoration of the 130-year-old grand staircase at Croatian Music Institute

(Photo: HGZ)

Pan, the music-loving god and the finest dancer among the deities, is re-emerging in his full splendour thanks to the skilled hands of restorers and conservators.

The grand staircase of the Croatian Music Institute (HGZ) is one of Zagreb’s most magnificent and iconic historical staircases.

It was inaugurated by Emperor Franz Joseph I on 14 October 1895, as commemorated by a marble plaque installed on the mezzanine.

This stunning staircase once led audiences to the grand hall, where some of Zagreb’s finest concerts were held. Notably, in 1926, Igor Stravinsky accompanied his soprano friend, Maja Strozzi-Pečić, on the piano on this very stage.

Currently, restoration work is underway on the grand staircase and in the grand hall, carried out by the firm Restaurator d.o.o. The most extensive and time-consuming aspect of the project involves removing later layers of paint from the staircase’s walls and railings.

(Photo: HGZ)

Despite the complexity of the task, it is a source of great satisfaction for experts and enthusiasts alike, as it reveals the historical gems of HGZ’s interior, such as harmonious wall paintings and delicate gold trims on stuccoes and ceiling rosettes.

“In the grand hall, we’ve identified the boundaries of the original murals, assessed their condition, and noted their characteristics. During the removal of white paint layers, we uncovered two intertwined painted layers, differing significantly in quality and preservation.

Interestingly, the older layer is technologically superior, which has contributed to its better state of preservation. We eagerly anticipate the results that will, in the coming months, further unveil the true value and beauty of HGZ’s historic interior,” says Igor Borić, a qualified restorer and conservator.

(Photo: HGZ)

A Complex Endeavour Full of Challenges

The comprehensive restoration and energy renewal of the HGZ building, funded by the Ministry of Culture and Media through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, is progressing as scheduled.

Chief architect Roman Šilje recently guided the HGZ leadership and Supervisory Board members through the building, providing updates on the current stage of works and the key steps planned by year’s end.

Among the visitors were HGZ President Prof. Dr. Romana Matanovac Vučković, leadership members Academician Zoran Juranić, Prof. Art. Anđelko Krpan, and musicologist Marija Saraga, as well as Supervisory Board member Prof. Art. Dr. Marina Novak.

(Photo: HGZ)

“This is an exceptionally demanding project, and we encounter new challenges at every step. The HGZ building is a unique ensemble of two interconnected Lower Town palaces, constructed in the highly representative style of the late 19th century. Its restoration respects its public purpose, adapts the space for modern use, and adheres to regulations on cultural heritage protection. It’s a complex undertaking full of surprises, requiring significant commitment, but so far, everything is progressing as planned—thanks largely to the excellent collaboration with all partners involved in the restoration process,” emphasised Romana Matanovac Vučković.

(Photo: HGZ)

Croatia’s Oldest Citizens’ Association

The Croatian Music Institute was founded as a society of music enthusiasts, with its first members joining in January 1827.

By the end of that year, in the then-small city of Zagreb, which had around 10,000 inhabitants, 111 members had enrolled—representing 1% of the population!

On 18 April 1827, in the hall of the Royal Academy (now the Upper Town Grammar School), the Society Orchestra, composed of its members, gave its first concert.

The society was then officially called Societas Philharmonica Zagrabiensis, but among locals, it was often referred to as Musikverein. This date is considered the beginning of the organisation’s activities and is celebrated as HGZ Day.

Igor Boric and Roman Šilje (Photo: HGZ)

HGZ is the oldest Croatian citizens’ association, continuously operating as a cultural institution. It is where Zagreb’s first music school and the Music Academy were established. HGZ also plays a significant role in nurturing amateur musicianship and preserving its invaluable music library and archives.

Zoran Juranic, Andelko Krpan, Romana Matanovac Vuckovic, Marina Novak and Marija Saraga (Photo: HGZ)

In addition to its comprehensive renovation that bridges tradition and modernity, HGZ’s near future will be marked by two major anniversaries: 2026 will see the 150th anniversary of its building, while 2027 will celebrate 200 years since the association’s founding.