Art historian Grgur Marko Ivanković beautifully described it as “a sound box reminiscent of the interior of a traditional Slavonian tamburica and a wooden granary (čardak), whose planks formed part of the landscape of every Slavonian village and even some corners of Osijek.”

According to him, the award-winning Osijek architect Damir Vrban masterfully reinterpreted and harmoniously integrated these two traditional elements, “and the visitors feel the pleasant warmth, as if embraced by a space radiating Art Nouveau elegance, simplicity, and lightness.” The interior design features solid oak flooring and wall cladding made of soft, curved spruce and pine boards, giving the space a unique texture and resonance.

This architectural gem is none other than the Franjo Krežma Concert Hall, part of the Osijek Cultural Centre. With 420 comfortable seats, its beauty will take your breath away the moment you step inside. And during a performance, its remarkable acoustics will enchant audiences and musicians alike. Since its grand opening on 27 September 2024, marked by a concert of the Croatian Radiotelevision Symphony Orchestra and pianist Konstantin Krasnitsky, conducted by Pascal Rophé, the hall has hosted numerous acclaimed artists.

The second-largest concert hall in Croatia, it bears the name of Franjo Krežma, the celebrated violin virtuoso born in Osijek in 1862. Ivanković also points out the bronze sculpture of Krežma by renowned Croatian sculptor Vanja Radauš, located in the very heart of Osijek in the passage that fittingly bears Radauš’s name.

So, if you’re a music aficionado, check out the concert program at kulturni-centar.hr/koncertna_sezona as there’s surely something that will strike the right chord. This season’s lineup includes performances by Ida Gamulin, The King’s Singers, the Panonska filharmonija, Zagreb soloists, the Roby Lakatos Ensemble, and many more.

Written by: Ivana Rab Guljaš