About the museum:
Stari Grad Gallery is located in one of the best preserved strongholds (14th century) of the fortification type in the central part of Croatia, of the Wasserburg style. It has a central and polygonal ground plan, with a dominating 16th century square tower. It became important at the time of the Turkish incursions, particularly after the fall of Virovitica in 1552, when it was a salient into the Turkish border, the first Croatian fort. In spite of frequent assaults by the Ottoman forces, the fort was never taken. A recollection of the time is incorporated in the Picoki legend, that tells of how the fort was saved from the invaders by an ingenious old lady. The fort lost its defensive value after the cessation of the Turkish danger, and stayed under Austrian rule until1873 and the annexation of the Military Frontier to Croatia in 1881. The fort also had a function as symbolic display in addition to its defensive purpose, as is shown by the coat of arms of one of the past owners, Sigismund Ernuszt of 1448, and the three-mullioned windows, valuable sculptural details on which there is an intermingling of Gothic and Renaissance stylistic characteristics. Today the first floor houses the local history holdings with pictures and sculptures donated by artists who have shown their works in the premises, while in the attic is a showcase permanent display of paintings by Croatian artists from the end of the 19th and from the 20th century, part of the fine Ivan Lacković Croata Donation. During the year some 12 exhibitions will be held in the space, as well as several art workshops. Stari Grad Gallery, together with the fort, which is a class I heritage building, constitute a unique complex that, together with the Picoki legend, constitutes the backbone of culture and tourism in the city of Đurđevac.
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