Introducing Cravaticum: the first ever Museum of neckties

The untold story of the necktie:

For such an unassuming piece of clothing, the necktie actually has a very layered origins. The most important fact about its creation is also something that a lot of people around the world do not know. Popular belief would be that the French invented the necktie but in actuality it was invented by Croatia. 

The origins of the necktie actually dates back to the 17the century or more precisely the Thirty year war from 1618 until 1648. Before Croatian mercenaries would go overseas to battle, their significant others would create a special type of clothing for them, the iconic necktie. This was a way to show appreciation for the soldiers that went into battle and to also wish them a safe return home. But there are stories about a more practical use for the necktie, a use in the battlefield. During that period of time, the battlefields got extremely chaotic and it was easy to lose track of who was on the opposing side and who was your ally. This is where the necktie came in, a bright red piece of clothing above the soldiers armor helped Croatian mercenaries during the heat of the battle. French soldiers were so impressed with the highly efficient Croatian mercenaries and their fashion, they named them La Cravat, coming from the word Croatian. After the war was done, a special army unit was created, the Royal Cravates. This unit was named in honor of the Croatian soldiers who were part of it and their iconic neckties. 

Now while the origins of the necktie and its connection to the Croatian people are fascinating, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many interesting questions about this seemingly simple piece of clothing; what are the countless different necktie knots and their meanings, how much silk is necessary for one necktie and many more. Answering all of these questions and educating people about the necktie is the mission statement of Cravaticum, the first ever museum of neckties. 

‍Cravaticum: First of its kind

‍Cravaticum-Museum Boutique of the Cravat opened its doors on the 26th of June 2024 and ever since this one of a kind museum has been the talk of the town. Igor Mladinović, the director of the museum, started the museum with a clear goal in mind, to entertain and educate. Darko Dovedan, co-owner, museologist and curator, poured a lot of his knowledge into the project to be certain it will stand out. From the start the museum was conceived as a multimedia project that offered countless possibilities to learn about the necktie but also leave entertained.

The museum is formed by multiple sections, each one representing a fascinating intro to the necktie. The section of contemporary artists exploring the theme of the tie forms just one part of Cravaticum’s diverse and ever expanding collection. The evolution of the tie throughout history is presented with a modern twist, offering visitors a fresh perspective on its development. The entire exhibit combines artistic interior design with numerous interactive and unexpected displays, creating a truly dynamic experience like no other.

Among the museum’s standout pieces are unique items such as a tie made from bulletproof material, a tunnel of neckties, threads viewed under a microscope, and a captivating 3D exhibit.Cravaticum also showcases items ranging from the elaborate uniforms worn by the Cravat regiment to cutting-edge designs by Juraj Zigman, a celebrated Croatian fashion designer who has collaborated with global icons like Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj and Christina Aguilera among others.

All of this and more can be found in this truly one of a kind museum located in the heart of Zagreb city at Tomićeva street 5. People curious can visit Cravaticum every day from 10 in the morning until 20 in the evening. Tickets are priced at €8 for adults, €5 for students, and free of charge for children aged 7 or younger. For more information and to secure your spot in the exploration of Cravaticum, follow this link.

‍