Yesterday, September 4, in the company of representatives of the City of Pula, employees of cultural institutions, conservators, entrepreneurs, journalists, and guests from cultural institutions in Piran and Bakar, we ceremoniously marked the relocation of the maritime collection “Gallerion” to the ground floor of the former “Arena Trikotaža” building, at Riva 12. This opening marks the first step in establishing the future Naval Museum Pula.

The Gallerion maritime collection was purchased from collector Sergio Gobbo in February 2023. It was initially displayed at the Verudela fortress and in 2024 at the San Giovanni battery. By acquiring part of the former “Arena Trikotaža” building on June 3 this year, the opportunity was created for the collection to be exhibited in a larger and more suitable space.

The relocation was a demanding task, on which the maintenance staff of Aquarium Pula worked daily over the past few months. The space was found in a neglected state but has been renovated and brought to an acceptable condition. Electrical installations and lighting have been replaced throughout the ground floor, and an air conditioning system and sanitary facilities have been installed. Before the official opening, the collection was accessible to visitors from August 25.

Despite all that has already been done, the building still requires significant adaptation work, with renovations and the opening of the first and second floors planned for next year.

We thank everyone who joined us in celebrating the relocation of the Gallerion maritime collection. Details about the event can be read in the article by Glas Istre: