Zagreb Archaeology Museum's Collection Severely Damaged in Historic 5.3 Magnitude Earthquake

A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck Zagreb on Sunday, causing extensive damage to the Archaeology Museum's collection of over 450,000 objects. The 19th-century institution on Nikola Šubić Zrinski Square reported smashed mummies, statues, urns, vases, and other artifacts from its Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and prehistoric holdings. Display cabinets and the museum building itself suffered structural harm. This quake represents the largest to affect Croatia in 140 years, resulting in one critical injury and 16 other casualties. Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic addressed the dual crisis at a press conference, urging residents to maintain social distance amid the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The 18th-century building housing the Croatian parliament also sustained damage and will remain closed. Images released by the museum documented the widespread destruction to both artifacts and infrastructure.