Croatia’s first Children’s House will open in Rijeka

The city of Rijeka has built a centre where children up to the age of 12 can develop and enhance their creativity

The first Children’s House in Croatia has been built in the city of Rijeka, the European Capital of Culture 2020. Designed for children up to 12 years old, this four-storey-building will act as a cultural and creative centre for the youth.

The Rikard Benčić factory complex

Over two decades ago, three buildings in Rijeka’s former Rikard Benčić factory complex in Krešimirova Street were abandoned. Deciding to revive these industrial heritage buildings, the city of Rijeka sought and received EU funding. More specifically, the Croatian city was given an 8.9-million-euro grant for its ‘Revitalisation of the Benčić Complex – the Brick and the T-shaped Buildings’ project.

Thus, what was once the factory’s abandoned brick building now had the potential to become Croatia’s first Children’s House: a hub designed to spark and develop creativity in children.

Creative environment

The house will be so much more than just a place where children can go to read, draw, or paint. While they may indeed do so, they may also immerse themselves in various other forms of arts and culture such as film, music, theatre, etc.

Taking this idea further, the website of the European Commission reported that the house will include “a film studio, a music studio, video game production, a small amphitheatre, a baby theatre, a puppet-making studio, a playroom and library, and facilities adapted for children with developmental disabilities.”

Ultimately, the main goal of this project is to help fuel creativity in both younger and older children. By giving them the opportunity to grow up in a creative environment, the city hopes to equip them with the tools they need to become future leaders, artists, and creators.

The Children’s House is expected to open by the end of March.