The House of Cartoons Oto Reisinger in Zagreb

At 44 Radićeva Street, one of the warmest and most witty places in Zagreb is quietly tucked away. It lies just a few steps from the Museum of the 1980s and the Stone Gate.

If you want to understand the Croatian mindset, its distinctive sense of humor, and the history of this region through the eyes of the ordinary “little man” living in socialist Yugoslavia and modern-day Croatia, this is the place to visit.

The drawings of the famous Croatian cartoonist Oto Reisinger have been translated into English, making them fully accessible to international visitors.

Who was Oto Reisinger?

By profession a trained architect, Oto was an exceptional draftsman and a sharp observer of society. For more than 60 years, people opened the daily newspaper Vjesnik every morning just to see what Oto had drawn that day.

His main character, Pero, was “everyman” — an ordinary person struggling with bureaucracy, shortages, and politics, as well as with everyday family life involving his wife Štefica and their son Ranko.

What will you see inside?

This is not a cold, formal gallery. It is an intimate space, curated by Oto’s son and grandson, which gives it a special, family atmosphere.

You’ll see original drawings and sharp caricatures that are just as relevant today as they were 40 years ago. His humor is universal — he mocks human flaws, not people themselves.

You’ll also see his original desk, pencils, and drawing tools — the very place where thousands of works were created, works that became part of our collective memory.

Oto had an extraordinary gift for saying more with a few strokes of a pencil than could fit into ten pages of text. His criticism of politics and society was never malicious, but always intelligent and witty.

Why visit the House of Cartoons of Oto Reisinger?

Unlike museums that teach us about kings, wars, and grand historical dates, the House of Cartoons tells the story of ordinary people. You’ll discover what worried Zagreb’s residents, what made them happy, and how they survived difficult times with the help of humor.

Oto liked to say that caricature is “truth that laughs.” Here, you’ll laugh, maybe pause to reflect—but you’ll certainly leave feeling that you understand the spirit of the people a little better.

How long should you plan for your visit?

• 30 minutes: If you just want a quick overview of the drawings and a look at Oto’s workspace.
• 45–60 minutes (recommended): The ideal amount of time. This allows you to actually read the captions and dialogues—because the humor is the whole point. You’ll also have time to watch short documentary footage or browse through one of his books.
• 90 minutes: For true fans of drawing, journalistic history, or anyone who wants to study every line and fully explore the social context behind his work.