Croatian House
Croatian House, Split
Croatian House, located in Tončićeva Street, Split, is one of the most representative Art Nouveau buildings in the city. It was built in 1908 according to the design of architect Kamilo Tončić, and intended as a gathering place for cultural, artistic, and sports associations.
From its opening, the Croatian House served as a cultural centre, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and gatherings. Adaptations—most notably the 1930s and wartime renovations—altered or removed much of its original decoration, yet the underlying architectural structure and Tončić’s design intent remained legible.
Before & After image: Main facade in 2011. and in 2021. (PHOTO: Valentino Bilić Prcić)
Key insights
Style
Art Noveau
architect
Kamilo Tončić
Time Period
Early 20th Century
Typology
Public building, Concert Hall
Location
Tončićeva ulica, Split, Croatia
featured story
The Building’s Residents Over Time
Learn about the various time periods and changes in function the building has undergone to understand it’s look today.
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The Building’s Residents Over Time
Learn about the various time periods and changes in function the building has undergone to understand it’s look today.
Contemporary Design Practices
The building’s original design has been an inspiration for new design projects related to events and festivals held here.
Reconstruction & Architectural Details
Learn about the meticulous process of bringing back this building back to it’s former glory and the architectural elements that define it’s style and structure.
BIM MODEL
virtual walk
useful links
Photographs: Ivana Marušić; Kazinoti & Komenda (signage); Valentino Bilić Prcić
Digital art and illustrations: Mile Modić (from the website www.forgas.store ); Extract from the architectural main design project by Gordana Kuzmić-Kalogjera
Archival photographs: Conservation Department in Split, Museum of the City of Split, University Library in Split, private archives
Project management (restoration): City of Split
Execution of conservation works and decoration reconstruction: Neir d.o.o., Split
Execution of construction and craft works: Teh-gradnja d.o.o., Zagreb
Research, conservation supervision and project management: Conservation Department in Split, Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia (MSc Sanja Buble, architect and conservator, PhD Sandi Bulimbašić, art historian and conservator)
Special thanks to: PhD Sandi Bulimbašić, Vanesa Kleva (Director), Slaven Tahirbegović, Ante Balarin–Đipalo, Ivona Zulim, Brist Tourist Agency, Petra Milovac
The content of the virtual exhibition is based on the research of conservators and available literature.
Digital art and illustrations: Mile Modić (from the website www.forgas.store ); Extract from the architectural main design project by Gordana Kuzmić-Kalogjera
Archival photographs: Conservation Department in Split, Museum of the City of Split, University Library in Split, private archives
Project management (restoration): City of Split
Execution of conservation works and decoration reconstruction: Neir d.o.o., Split
Execution of construction and craft works: Teh-gradnja d.o.o., Zagreb
Research, conservation supervision and project management: Conservation Department in Split, Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia (MSc Sanja Buble, architect and conservator, PhD Sandi Bulimbašić, art historian and conservator)
Special thanks to: PhD Sandi Bulimbašić, Vanesa Kleva (Director), Slaven Tahirbegović, Ante Balarin–Đipalo, Ivona Zulim, Brist Tourist Agency, Petra Milovac
The content of the virtual exhibition is based on the research of conservators and available literature.
Bezić Božanić, Nevenka (1965). »Prilog proučavanju secesije u Splitu«, Peristil 8–9, 175–182.
Buble, Sanja (2011). »Hrvatski dom Kamila Tončića u Splitu«, Prilozi povijesti umjetnosti u Dalmaciji 42, 417–439.
Buble, Sanja (2019/2020). »Hrvatski dom u Splitu, izazov obnove«, Godišnjak zaštite spomenika kulture Hrvatske, 43/44, 115–130.
Buble, Sanja (2024). »Hrvatski dom u Splitu, svjedok vremena«, Hrvatska revija 3, 2024 Časopis Matice Hrvatske.
Bulimbašić, Sandi (2016). Društvo hrvatskih umjetnika »Medulić« (1908. – 1919.) umjetnost i politika, Zagreb: Društvo povjesničara umjetnosti Hrvatske.
Kezić, Mario (1991). Arhitektura secesije u Splitu, Split: Književni krug.
Piplović, Stanko (1991). Kamilo Tončić, Split: Društvo prijatelja kulturne baštine.
Šverko, Ivana (2003). Splitska škola za dizajn, Split: Književni krug.
Buble, Sanja (2011). »Hrvatski dom Kamila Tončića u Splitu«, Prilozi povijesti umjetnosti u Dalmaciji 42, 417–439.
Buble, Sanja (2019/2020). »Hrvatski dom u Splitu, izazov obnove«, Godišnjak zaštite spomenika kulture Hrvatske, 43/44, 115–130.
Buble, Sanja (2024). »Hrvatski dom u Splitu, svjedok vremena«, Hrvatska revija 3, 2024 Časopis Matice Hrvatske.
Bulimbašić, Sandi (2016). Društvo hrvatskih umjetnika »Medulić« (1908. – 1919.) umjetnost i politika, Zagreb: Društvo povjesničara umjetnosti Hrvatske.
Kezić, Mario (1991). Arhitektura secesije u Splitu, Split: Književni krug.
Piplović, Stanko (1991). Kamilo Tončić, Split: Društvo prijatelja kulturne baštine.
Šverko, Ivana (2003). Splitska škola za dizajn, Split: Književni krug.
