The project Palace of Life, City of Change, dedicated to the revitalisation and new interpretation of Diocletian’s Palace, opened the opportunity to create a unique collection of souvenirs for the Split City Museum. Jaksic Gallery and our workshop had the honour of designing the entire selection, blending tradition, Brac stone and contemporary design to produce objects that tell the story of Split in a tactile and visually engaging way. Working with the excellent team of the Split City Museum – curators, specialists and the director – was a real pleasure and resulted in a thoughtful and diverse collection.
In creating the collection, our intention was to include every segment: decorative elements, educational content, functional household objects, items for the youngest visitors, as well as pieces meant for personal adornment. Each souvenir carries the authentic character of Brac stone and the architectural heritage of Split, conceptually linked to the central theme: Diocletian’s Palace as a souvenir.
1. Stone Puzzle
The standout piece is a stone puzzle that can be assembled into the façade of the Old Town Hall, the façade of the South-East Tower and Diocletian’s Palace itself. Designed as both an educational tool and a game, it enhances fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination thanks to its precisely carved miniature elements.
2. Stone Figure – Transept Window Replica
This piece replicates an 11th-century Romanesque window discovered in the Church of St James, now part of the permanent collection of the Split City Museum. A historical architectural element has been transformed into a refined decorative object.
3. Stone Coasters
A set of stone coasters features the quatrefoil motif positioned above the biforium on the façade of the Papalić Palace, merging elegance with practical use.
4. Jewellery
The brooch, necklace and earrings draw inspiration from motifs found in the Old Town Hall and the museum’s collection. The floral stone carving from the Papalić Palace courtyard and the characteristic quatrefoil, present on many medieval artefacts, are reinterpreted as wearable miniatures.
5. Stone Cube – A Playful Detail
This cube symbolically represents Diocletian’s Palace. When placed together, cubes of identical size form a stylised stone wall. Each cube carries a witty phrase, quote or historical fact – such as the old Roman expression “To hammer the stone,” used to describe a difficult and futile effort.
6. Postcards – A Window into the Past
Three illustrated postcards depict the South-East Tower, the Old Town Hall and the Papalić Palace. Each scene shows the present-day building complemented by a small “window into the past”, revealing a charming moment from history and the stories tied to these landmarks.
It was truly an honour for us to contribute to shaping the souvenir offer of the Split City Museum and to enrich the visitor experience with added cultural and artistic value.
