Rare Croatian stamps will be on display at the Torpedo Factory Art Center this week as part of a cultural exchange with Croatia, as Alexandria is expected to host the country’s national soccer team base camp during the 2026 World Cup.
The exhibit marks the first time that the stamp collection, “Discover Croatia: A Journey Through Tiny Windows of History,” has been moved outside of its home country. The exhibit by the Croatian Post and the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs was unveiled yesterday (Monday) at a ceremony with Croatian Ambassador to the U.S. Pjer Šimunović and Mayor Alyia Gaskins.
“One of Croatia’s most notable innovations was the creation of the first torpedo,” Gaskins said on Instagram. “We thought it would be really unique to host the event at the Torpedo Factory, because in Alexandria, we took an old Torpedo Factory and turned it into a place where we celebrate the arts. This is an opportunity to do the same with works of art from Croatia. The display of stamps will be on display all week, and so I hope that you will come visit.”
The exhibit will be on display through this Sunday, May 10.
According to Visit Alexandria, the display showcases:
- Historic milestones, including the 1100th anniversary of the Kingdom of Croatia and the 900th anniversary of the Baška Tablet
- Notable Croatian figures like Franjo Tuđman, former president of Croatia, and Luka Modrić, a Croatian soccer player
- Croatian innovations like the torpedo and the cravat
- Natural wonders of the Croatian coast, Mediterranean ships, and the sacred beauty of the Shrine of Marija Bistrica
The Croatian Football Federation announced in January that it would establish its World Cup base camp in Alexandria. This summer, players are expected to stay in the AKA Hotel in Old Town and train at Episcopal High School while games are underway from June 11 through July 19.
