President Milanović Visits the Exhibition “In the Beginning Was the Kingdom” at Klovićevi Dvori Gallery
The President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović visited today the exhibition “In the Beginning Was the Kingdom” at the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery in Zagreb.
Accompanied by Antonio Picukarić, Director of the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery; Dino Milinović, the exhibition’s author; and Petra Vugrinec, the Gallery’s Assistant Director, President Milanović toured the exhibition, the central event of the jubilee year 2025, dedicated to celebrating the 1100th anniversary of the Croatian Kingdom. More than 400 works of art, archaeological artefacts, historical documents, archival materials, and items of decorative art were selected to illustrate the theme.
The exhibition is divided into thematic sections reflecting the major political, social, religious, and cultural phenomena that marked various periods of Croatian history. It highlights the legal and symbolic continuity of the kingdom – from the Croatian principality of the 9th century and its native rulers to the later election of foreign dynasties as sovereigns of the Triune Kingdom. The exhibition’s authors are distinguished scholars in the fields of history and art history: Dino Milinović (principal author) with co-authors Tomislav Galović and Trpimir Vedriš, while the curator is Iva Sudec Andreis. A special section on the ground floor of Klovićevi Dvori Gallery is dedicated to King Tomislav, featuring original historical documents and exploring the evolution of his legacy through the centuries, culminating in the great jubilee of 1925.
The Croatian Parliament proclaimed 2025 the Year Commemorating the 1100th Anniversary of the Croatian Kingdom, as a reminder of key moments in the history of the Croatian people – the coronation of Croatia’s first king, Tomislav, and his mention in the letter of Pope John X convening the First Church Council of Split in 925. These events marked Croatia’s emergence as an independent and recognized kingdom, playing a crucial role in shaping the nation’s identity and sovereignty.
Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for Culture Zdravko Zima accompanied President Milanović at the exhibition.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan