MUSEUMS & ART GALLERIES
HISTORIC GALLERY SPACE
Museum and Gallery Sacred Hearts
A former 1908 church in Pula Old Town, transformed into an accessible gallery for changing exhibitions and cultural events.
Location
Attraction Type
Entry
Best For
Visit Duration
Why Visit Museum and Gallery Sacred Hearts
✓ Explore a restored church dating from 1908
✓ See changing museum and gallery exhibitions
✓ Experience historic and contemporary architectural layers
✓ Attend cultural events when scheduled
✓ Visit the gallery free of charge
✓ Use reduced-mobility access facilities
About Museum and Gallery Sacred Hearts
Museum and Gallery Sacred Hearts occupies the desacralised Church of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary on De Villeov uspon in Pula Old Town. The Sisters of the Sacred Hearts commissioned a convent in 1899 and a basilica-plan church with a nave and side aisles in 1908.
The church was designed in the late Baroque classicist style. Architect Virgilio Volpi began the project, which Domenico Malusà completed. A 26-metre bell tower was also planned but never constructed.
After the Second World War, the sisters left the complex and the buildings remained unused until 1958, when the Archaeological Museum of Istria began using the church as a depository. Structural problems caused significant damage, including a collapsed roof and cracking around the apse. A renovation initiative began in the late 1980s, the roof was replaced in the early 1990s, and a comprehensive revitalisation project started in 2007.
The restored building opened to the public in July 2011. It now operates as a museum-gallery and multimedia venue managed by the Archaeological Museum of Istria, combining preserved religious architecture with facilities for exhibitions, projections and cultural programmes.
Explore Museum and Gallery Sacred Hearts
Inside, the former church provides a tall and spacious setting for temporary exhibitions. The original basilica-style arrangement remains visible, while galleries added within the side aisles are connected by an elevated bridge.
The former apse is separated by a large wall that can be used for film screenings, presentations and multimedia installations. Exhibition layouts change with the programme, so the experience may range from archaeological and historical subjects to art, architecture, design and wider cultural themes.
The venue also supports lectures, congresses, professional symposia, theatrical performances, concerts, films and festivals. Visitors should check the official programme to see which exhibition or event will be available during their stay.
Attraction Details
- Former Church of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
- Basilica-plan church constructed in 1908
- Late Baroque classicist architectural style
- Designed by Virgilio Volpi and Domenico Malusà
- Used as an archaeological depository from 1958
- Major revitalisation project began in 2007
- Opened as a museum-gallery in July 2011
- Side-aisle galleries connected by a bridge
- Projection wall installed across the former apse
- Multipurpose venue for exhibitions and cultural events
VisitPula Our Take
Museum and Gallery Sacred Hearts is particularly suitable for visitors interested in art, architecture and the imaginative reuse of historic buildings. Free admission and its old-town location make it easy to include in a walking tour of central Pula.
A weekday morning is a practical choice for a quieter experience. Allow at least one hour for a standard exhibition, although a detailed display, lecture, concert or other scheduled event may require considerably longer.
The venue provides ramps, a lifting platform, an accessible toilet, an accessible counter and a tactile orientation plan. However, the official accessibility information states that tactile exhibition displays, audio guides, sign-language guides and simplified-language guides are not available.
Photos of Museum and Gallery Sacred Hearts
Nearby Places
Explore more historic attractions and landmarks near Pula Arena
Location & Contact
Address:
De Villeov uspon 8, 52100 Pula
Location:
Pula Old Town
Phone:
+385 52 351 333
Email:
info-centar@ami-pula.hr
Official Website:
ami-pula.hr
Access & Admission
Gallery Admission:
Free
Season & Availability
Season:
Current Daily Schedule
Best time of day:
Weekday Morning
Visit duration:
1 Hour or Longer
The official gallery page currently lists opening hours every day from 09:00 to 20:00. Check the latest programme before visiting because exhibitions, installation work or scheduled events may affect access.
Map Location
Before You Go
- Check the current exhibition programme.
- Confirm opening hours before visiting.
- Visit on a weekday morning.
- Allow at least one hour.
- Check scheduled cultural events.
- Use ramped entrances if required.
- Review accessibility limitations in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Museum and Gallery Sacred Hearts
- Is Museum and Gallery Sacred Hearts worth visiting?
- Yes. It is worth visiting for its historic church architecture, changing exhibitions, free admission and central location in Pula Old Town.
- How long should you spend at Museum and Gallery Sacred Hearts?
- Allow at least one hour. A visit may take longer when attending an event or exploring a detailed temporary exhibition.
- Is admission to Museum and Gallery Sacred Hearts free?
- Yes. Admission to the gallery is currently free of charge.
- What can visitors see at Museum and Gallery Sacred Hearts?
- Visitors can see changing exhibitions inside a restored former church with side-aisle galleries, a connecting bridge and a large projection wall.
- Is Museum and Gallery Sacred Hearts accessible?
- Yes, the venue provides ramps, a lifting platform, an accessible toilet, an accessible counter and a tactile orientation plan.
