Centuries-old rare Croatian manuscripts, maps and books on display

(Photo:Boris Kovacev / CROPIX)

On 19 and 20 February 2025, the National and University Library in Zagreb (NSK) will be hosting its Open Days, inviting all citizens to explore the Library, learn about its work, and discover the most valuable treasures of Croatian and global culture and heritage preserved in its collection.

Discover the NSK and Its Special Collections

This year’s Open Days will focus on manuscript heritage.

Visitors to the Manuscripts and Old Books Collection will have the opportunity to view the handwritten works of Croatian literary greats such as August Šenoa, Antun Gustav Matoš, Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić, and others who have shaped the finest prose and poetry in Croatian literature.

(Photo: Boris Kovacev / CROPIX)

The Maps and Atlases Collection will showcase some of the most valuable examples of manuscript cartographic heritage from the 18th and 19th centuries, including the first plan of Maksimir (1846), a map of Ston (1819), a plan of Zadar (1862), a plan of Osijek (1760), Pavao Ritter Vitezović’s map of Velebit (1701), and a map of Dalmatia (1790).

The Music and Audio Materials Collection will feature manuscripts by composers such as Vatroslav Lisinski, Ivan Zajc junior, and contemporary authors Silvio Foretić and Miroslav Miletić.

(Photo: Boris Kovacev / CROPIX)

In the Print Collection, visitors will be able to view drawings, prints, posters, postcards, and other artistic works from the 15th century to the present day, including masterpieces by some of Croatia’s most renowned artists, such as Menci Clement Crnčić, Ljubo Babić, Slava Raškaj, Milan Trenc, and others.

Guided tours of the Library and its collections, which house these invaluable treasures, will take place at 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm. Prior booking is required via email at informacijski.centar@nsk.hr.

Engaging Workshops and a Book to Take Home

From 12 pm to 6 pm, a range of workshops and activities suitable for all ages will be held in the Library’s main and small lobbies.

At a demonstration workshop led by NSK’s restorers and conservators, visitors will gain insight into the challenges of preserving books, manuscripts, and other valuable materials—tasks undertaken by these “doctors for books.”

(Photo: Boris Kovacev / CROPIX)

They will even have the chance to try simple book repairs and hand-binding techniques themselves.

A library workshop will reveal how libraries organise millions of items to ensure easy access for users, along with other fascinating aspects of library work.

Visitors can also unwind with colouring sheets featuring illustrations from NSK’s collections or challenge themselves with crossword puzzles from historic Croatian newspapers. As a memento, they will receive a valuable publication from the Library’s collection.

(Photo: NSK)

Celebrating NSK Day in Honour of Croatia’s First Printed Book

The NSK Open Days are held in celebration of National and University Library Day, traditionally observed on 22 February to commemorate the printing of The Missal According to the Law of the Roman Court in 1483—the first book printed in the Croatian language and the oldest book in Glagolitic script.

(Photo: Boris Kovacev / CROPIX)

This year’s NSK Day celebration and the 418th anniversary of the Library’s establishment will take place on 21 February with a special programme and the presentation of NSK Awards and Recognitions.