PHOTOS: Zagreb’s Hotel Esplanade marks 100 years with spectacular light show

by croatiaweek
March 20, 2025
in Entertainment

(Photo: Goran Jakuš/Arhiva hotela Esplanade)

Zagreb’s iconic Hotel Esplanade shone brighter than ever last night as it marked its 100th anniversary with a breathtaking light show, officially opening the 2025 Zagreb Festival of Lights.

The historic facade of Hotel Esplanade became a canvas for a mesmerising 3D light installation, Circle of Light, created by top Croatian and German artists under the direction of the Zagreb Tourist Board.

The display captured the elegance and glamour of a bygone era, honouring the hotel’s storied past since its opening in 1925 for travellers of the legendary Orient Express.

(Photo: Goran Jakuš/Arhiva hotela Esplanade)

Hotel Esplanade’s General Manager, Ivica Max Krizmanić, expressed his pride in the hotel’s inclusion in the festival:

“The Festival of Lights has grown into one of Zagreb’s most beloved events, and I am truly grateful to the City of Zagreb and the Tourist Board for recognising the importance of Esplanade as a symbol of the city. I invite everyone to visit and experience this magical journey through time.”

(Photo: Goran Jakuš/Arhiva hotela Esplanade)

Festival of Lights Zagreb – A Must-See Event in Europe

Named by Forbes as one of the top 10 must-visit festivals in Europe for 2025, the Zagreb Festival of Lights officially opened last night in front of a large crowd at Ante Starčević Square. The event was inaugurated by Tourism Minister Tonči Glavina, Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević, and Tourist Board Director Martina Bienenfeld.

Tomislav Tomašević. Martina Bienenfeld, Ivica Max Krizmanić, Tonči Glavina (Photo: Goran Jakuš/Arhiva hotela Esplanade)

The festival, celebrating the arrival of spring, runs until Sunday, 23 March 2025, from 18:00 to 23:00 daily. Over five days, Zagreb will be transformed with stunning light installations, artistic projections, and 3D mappings at 25 locations across the city.

To mark the occasion, renowned mixologist Vjenceslav Madić – Master Kishoni – has created two signature cocktails, Circle of Light and The Timeless Esplanade Martini, which will be available at Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar throughout the festival.

(Photo: Goran Jakuš/Arhiva hotela Esplanade)

For those who want to immerse themselves in the experience, Hotel Esplanade is offering a special accommodation package, A Century of Tradition Illuminated in Spectacular Light, providing guests with a front-row seat to this dazzling celebration.

(Photo: Goran Jakuš/Arhiva hotela Esplanade)

About Hotel Esplanade

One of Zagreb’s most prestigious landmarks, Hotel Esplanade was built in 1925 to offer luxury accommodation to passengers of the famous Orient Express.

(Photo: Goran Jakuš/Arhiva hotela Esplanade)

Over the years, it has hosted numerous renowned guests, including Josephine Baker, Charles Lindbergh, and Leonid Brezhnev.

(Photo: Goran Jakuš/Arhiva hotela Esplanade)

Following an extensive renovation, the hotel reopened in 2004 and continues to be a shining star in the regional hospitality scene, earning accolades such as the World Luxury Hotel Awards and Condé Nast Traveller Gold List.