Housed in an imposing marble villa planned by the artist himself, the Ivan Meštrović Gallery does a fine job of telling the story of a sculptor who went from humble beginnings as a stonecutter's apprentice to an exalted position in the international art scene. Meštrović's influences ranged from modernism to folk art and ancient Greek sculpture, producing an instantly recognizable individual style. The display includes an impressive selection of his large-scale works, alongside religiously-inspired works and intimate portraits of family members. Meštrović was also famous for the huge works he produced for public spaces, most notably the statue of Grgur Ninski in Split (see "Essential"). After teaching in Zagreb Meštrović emigrated to the U.S, becoming a professor first at Syracuse University then at Notre Dame. He died in South Bend, Indiana in 1962. A five-minute walk further west along the same road is the Meštrović's Crikvine - Kaštilac, a 16th-century agricultural fortified property bought by Meštrović in 1939 and converted into a chapel. Inside lies what is arguably the artist's most stunning creation, a cycle of 28 wooden reliefs based on the life of Christ. The result of 35 years' work, the cycle incorporates motifs from ancient, medieval and modern art, combined to produce an emotionally powerful piece of spiritual sculpture.
Due to energy renovation works, the Meštrović Gallery is partially accessible: the exhibition space is temporarily closed, but visitors can still tour the garden, the sculptures in the garden, and the architecture. Admission is reduced by 50% and includes a visit to Meštrović’s Crikvine–Kaštilac.