Collection of Orders, Medals and Plaques

The Collection of Orders, Medals, and Plaques has grown over the years through a combination of donations and purchases since the founding of the Split City Museum. It now comprises 307 items and was officially registered with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia on 22 November 2011. While most medals are of domestic origin, the collection also includes examples from abroad. Rich in subject matter and diverse in form and style, these objects are miniature works of art, reflecting the high level of skill achieved by their makers. The majority of the items in the Split City Museum illustrate significant historical, political, and cultural events, as well as notable figures.

The collection includes a number of particularly rare medals, such as the medal of Andrea Barbazza, created by the renowned 15^th-century medallist Sperandio Savelli. 

Among the distinguished artists represented in the collection, the most notable figure in the history of Croatian medal-making is Ivo Kerdić, followed by Ivan Meštrović, as well as G. Girometti, V. Gecan, S. Peruzzi, and others. Their works allow for the tracing of the stylistic and morphological development of Croatian medal-making. The collection of orders largely comprises pieces from the second half of the 19^th century and the 20^th century, with only a small number predating this period. Orders, as visible recognitions of merit, whether for service to the nation, state, society, or ruler, or for personal bravery, dedication, and contribution, are classified as orders or medals, and may be further categorised as wartime or peacetime, military or civil.