Antun Augustinčić, born in Klanjec in 1900, is one of the foremost 20th century Croatian sculptors, whose works convey a muscular power and expressive dignity. This ability to create on a grand scale led to Augustinčić being commissioned for a great number of public works at home and abroad. Perhaps his best-known work is his equestrian statue Peace, which stands outside the UN building in New York. Augustinčić’s statue of his great friend Josip Broz Tito stands in Kumrovec, and the giant relief and statue of Matija Gubec in Gornja Stubica is also his work. Augustinčić donated his life’s works to his home town, including monumental works, intimate sculptures, expressive portraits and nudes. A visit to this museum is essential for anyone with even a passing interest in sculpture. And while in Klanjec, don't miss the opportunity to see the renovated Austro-Hungarian sarcophaguses in the crypt of the Fransiscan Monastery or to taste the local wine variety Sokol.
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