Rijeka's 51000 Balthazargrad Exhibition Extends Despite Pandemic

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rijeka, European Capital of Culture 2020, continues its cultural program. The exhibition '51000 Balthazargrad' opened on October 24, 2020, at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and runs until January 23, 2021. Curated by Željko Luketić, the show features a visual identity and installation by Studio Brigada from Zagreb. The exhibition is dedicated to Professor Balthazar, a Croatian animated series produced by Zagreb Film from 1967 to 1978, which remains the most successful project of the Zagreb School of Animated Film. The series was popular abroad, especially in Scandinavian countries where episodes were even screened in prisons for rehabilitation. The character was created by Zlatko Grgić with the voice of Pavao Štalter, both Croatian. Professor Balthazar is a friendly scientist who uses imagination and positive energy to solve problems, promoting tolerance, peace, and love. The exhibition takes the form of an outdoor magical playground with installations encouraging active participation, designed as a city with streets, buildings, traffic lights, and squares, referencing episodes of the series. Rijeka's history as a hub of experimentation and international crossroads makes it the perfect venue for this first major exhibition dedicated to the professor.