Capital of Culture 2020: what remains
In 2020 Rijeka was European Capital of Culture together with Galway. Then the pandemic struck: festivals, concerts and big events were cancelled and the programme was extended to April 2021. Even so, summer 2020 saw around 390 programmes with over 53,000 visitors.
The main legacy is built. Most of the budget went into renovating buildings, and you benefit today.
The Benčić art quarter:
On the site of an 18th-century sugar refinery, later a tobacco and engine factory, a cultural quarter has emerged:
• The Sugar Palace, a late Baroque palace with painted halls, has housed the City Museum since late 2020.
• The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMSU) is based here.
• The Children’s House is described as Croatia’s first large building designed entirely for children.
• Plus the City Library, a park and seating by the open stream.
The ship Galeb was also restored.
Tip: allow half a day for Benčić. It is a few minutes’ walk from the station and especially good with kids or on rainy days.