Palace Modello, Renaissance and Baroque palace in Rijeka, Croatia
Palace Modello is a Renaissance and Baroque palace in Rijeka featuring stone balustrades, Corinthian columns, mansard windows, and intricate sculptural relief decorations across its grand facade. The ground floor now houses the Rijeka City Library, while the upper floors serve as offices for the Croatian National Theatre.
The building was constructed in 1885 by the Viennese architectural firm Fellner & Helmer, replacing the earlier Adamić Theatre on the same site. Its creation marked a new chapter in the city's architectural and cultural development.
The main hall displays marble and gilded stucco elements now used by the Italian Cultural Club of Rijeka. The spaces reflect the social role this building plays in the city's cultural life.
The building is accessible during the day when the city library and theatre offices are open, and visitors can easily view the lobby and facade. Access to upper floors may be limited depending on current activities and events at the cultural institutions housed inside.
The sculptor Vatroslav Donegani created the ornamental details of the facade, while Matija Dumičić's workshop produced all the wrought iron elements. This local collaboration demonstrates how skilled artisans contributed to the building's refined appearance.
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