Varaždin is hosting the eighth edition of the Biennial of Painting, a cultural event of national significance, organized by the Varaždin City Museum. The Biennial of Painting is held with the aim of presenting the most significant advances and achievements in contemporary Croatian painting, highlighting the diversity of poetics, techniques, and approaches that shape today’s artistic scene.
Alongside the central exhibition, an exhibition of Austrian artists will be presented at the Kovačić Macolić Gallery. This special honor has been granted to Varaždin this year because the Meštrović Pavilion, the traditional venue of the exhibition, is currently under renovation. Discover more.
8th Biennial of Painting Brings Together Around 70 Croatian Artists
This year’s exhibition brings together around 70 artists whose works were selected through a curatorial selection process and showcases the diversity, dynamism, and contemporary relevance of Croatian painting. The exhibition offers a broad generational overview – from established artists, members of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (HAZU), whose oeuvre testifies to continuity and tradition, to the youngest authors who introduce new visual languages through experimentation, interdisciplinarity, and distinctive artistic expression. Works by Croatian artists will be displayed in the spaces of the Varaždin City Museum, in the Sermage and Herzer Palaces.
The curatorial concept has been shaped by a distinguished selection committee comprising Tomislav Buntak, Elizabeta Igrec, Željko Marciuš, Martina Miholić, Bojan Šumonja, Leila Topić, and Josip Zanki. Their combined expertise has defined this year’s focus and highlighted the most compelling trends in contemporary painting.
Guest Exhibition of Contemporary Austrian Art
A significant segment of the Biennial of Painting is the guest exhibition of international artists. This year, contemporary Austrian art is featured according to the curatorial concept of Luise Kloos, a renowned Austrian curator and artist recognized for her extensive international experience.
The Biennial is organized by the Croatian Association of Visual Artists (HDLU) in partnership with the Varaždin City Museum, the Kovačić Macolić Gallery, and Next (Verein für zeitgenössische Kunst). The event is realized with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia, the City of Zagreb, and the City of Varaždin.
The opening of the 8th Biennial of Painting will take place on Wednesday, 3 December, at the Sermage Palace (3 M. Stančića Square) at 6 p.m., followed by the programme at the Kovačić Macolić Gallery (13 Lj. Gaja Street ), and concluding at the Herzer Palace (10 Franciscan Square).
The exhibition will remain on view until 16 February 2026.
Text and Photos: Varaždin City Museum
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