ZAGREB: A newly opened laughter museum in Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, aims to help visitors shake off negativity and embrace joy through a series of interactive experiences.
At HaHaHouse, guests are greeted with a burst of white smoke as they enter, symbolically clearing their worries. From there, they step into a “giant washing machine” that spins them down a twisting slide into a ball pit, marking the beginning of their uplifting adventure.
The museum’s founder, Andrea Golubic, conceived the idea during the pandemic when many people were struggling with feelings of isolation and sadness.
“I realized my purpose was to bring healing through laughter,” said Golubic, 43. “The concept came straight from the heart, and on the very day I envisioned it, I outlined 78 different exhibits. That was the birth of HaHaHouse.”
Golubic credits her childhood self as the inspiration behind the museum. She fondly recalls being a mischievous first-grader, always laughing and making jokes, a spirit she sought to revive through this project.
Visitors first activate a button to be “cleansed of negativity” before exploring the museum’s eight themed zones. One section features a rubber chicken choir squawking ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” while another offers a karaoke experience with amusing voice distortions. The “Sumo Arena” lets participants wrestle in inflatable suits, and various exhibits trace the history of humor from ancient times to modern media.
The museum also delves into different comedy styles, including slapstick, satire, dark humor, and wordplay, complemented by memorable one-liners from legendary comedians. A featured joke from Joan Rivers reads: “I’ve had so much plastic surgery, when I die they will donate my body to Tupperware.”
Rediscovering Joy
HaHaHouse has attracted a diverse crowd, from young children to senior citizens, all eager to reconnect with their playful side.
“Anyone who still cherishes their inner child will leave feeling re-energized,” Golubic explained.
Bruno Dadic, a pensioner, described his visit as a delightful experience. “You can never have too much laughter in life. It truly is medicine for the soul,” he said.
Zagreb’s psychiatric hospital has shown interest in organizing group visits, while partnerships with schools and retirement homes are also in progress.
Among the museum’s younger visitors, five-year-old Aleksandar Suka celebrated his birthday there, expressing particular enjoyment from the “Bed of Nails” exhibit, which he found amusingly ticklish.
Singer Zorica Bucic from Split praised the museum as a much-needed escape in today’s world. “With all the bad news we hear daily, this place feels like a return to childhood, free of worries. If people came here more often, there would be less need for therapy,” she said.
Psychologist Petar Kraljevic echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the therapeutic power of laughter. “If we could prescribe three hours of laughter a day, the benefits would be undeniable,” he noted.
The HaHaHouse stands as a unique sanctuary, reminding visitors that joy, humor, and a lighthearted spirit are essential to well-being.
