The story behind the Croatian flag at Zagreb Airport

(Photo credit: Josip Škof)

A new interactive exhibition dedicated to the history and symbolism of Croatia’s national flag has opened at Zagreb Airport, becoming the latest addition to the Museum Zone created by the Croatian History Museum and Zagreb Airport.

The exhibition “Stars of Croatian History: The Sky Is Their Limit. Meet Them!”, which opened in February 2025, has been expanded with its 25th star, the Croatian flag.

The new display explores the story behind one of Croatia’s most recognisable national symbols, introducing visitors to the origins of the flag, the development of the Croatian coat of arms, and the historical events that shaped its present-day appearance.

Located inside the passenger terminal of Franjo Tuđman Airport, the Museum Zone offers travellers an opportunity to discover Croatian history and heritage while passing through one of the country’s main international gateways.

Exploring the history behind Croatia’s national symbol

The interactive exhibition answers questions about the Croatian flag’s long history, including why it is considered among the oldest national flags in Europe, who contributed to its current design, and what the historical coats of arms featured on the flag represent.

A central element of the new installation is a large world map featuring the word “homeland” written in numerous languages. Visitors are invited to find their own language and mark the place they consider home, creating a shared map of personal stories from travellers around the world.

(Photo credit: Josip Škof)

The addition of the Croatian flag was inspired by the first official celebration of Croatian Flag Day on 5 June, which provided the occasion for expanding the exhibition.

“The flag represents identity, history and tradition, as well as the unity and pride of citizens. Croatia is among the few countries that has preserved a predecessor of its national flag, the Jelačić flag, which is kept in the Croatian History Museum thanks to the legacy of Ban Josip Jelačić,” said Croatian History Museum director Matea Brstilo Rešetar.

She added that the new exhibition begins with a national symbol but explores a universal feeling of belonging, with the airport providing a meaningful setting as a place of departures and returns.

(Photo credit: Josip Škof)

Connecting Croatian heritage with international travellers

The visual design of the new exhibition was created by Nikolina Jelavić Mitrović, while author Jelena Roboz said the aim was to present the story of the Croatian flag in a simple, accessible and interactive way for children, Croatian visitors and international travellers discovering the country for the first time.

The presentation was attended by Anuška Deranja Crnokić, representing the Ministry of Culture and Media, while a special highlight was an interpretation of Ban Josip Jelačić wearing a faithful reconstruction of the ceremonial uniform he wore during his installation in 1848, alongside a historical predecessor of today’s Croatian flag.

David Gabelica, member of the Management Board of Zagreb Airport, said the project reflects the airport’s wider role in promoting Croatian culture and heritage.

(Photo credit: Josip Škof)

“Through cooperation with the Croatian History Museum and projects such as the Museum Zone and the partnership with the Croatian Music Institute through the Piano of Hope project, we are creating opportunities for millions of passengers from around the world to experience Croatia’s cultural and historical identity,” Gabelica said.

He added that the airport aims to be more than a transport hub, becoming a place where travel, culture, history and tradition meet.

The Museum Zone, located after security control in the passenger terminal, continues to develop as a unique cultural space connecting Croatian heritage with domestic and international visitors.

(Photo credit: Josip Škof)

While the first 24 stars in the exhibition represented individuals who shaped Croatian history, the 25th star, the Croatian flag, serves as a symbol connecting all previous stories of identity, achievements and belonging.

(Photo credit: Josip Škof)