Uncover the hidden narratives of the ocean floor as Zadar welcomes the global heritage community for a landmark event. The ICOM ICMAH Annual Conference 2026 is coming to the shores of the Adriatic, bringing together international experts, curators, and archaeologists to discuss the future of maritime history. If you are looking for intellectually stimulating things to do in Zadar this October, this conference offers a rare glimpse into the cutting-edge science of underwater discovery.
Under the inspiring theme “Exploring the Depths – The Inspirational Journey of Maritime Archaeology,” this prestigious gathering focuses on the preservation and presentation of underwater cultural heritage within museum collections. Organized by the International Centre for Underwater Archaeology (ICUA) Zadar in collaboration with major local and global institutions, the conference explores the full trajectory of maritime finds—from their dramatic recovery on the seabed to their final interpretation in modern museum spaces.
Participants and visitors will engage with critical contemporary topics, including:
Conservation & Management: Managing artifacts recovered from shipwrecks and submerged ancient urban centers.
Technology & Innovation: Showcasing the latest tools for mapping and documenting submerged sites.
Environmental Impact: Analyzing how changing coastal environments affect our shared maritime history.
Anti-Looting Strategies: Innovative practices to protect vulnerable underwater sites from illicit excavation.
This event marks the first time this ICOM committee has held its annual conference in Croatia, making it a cornerstone of the Zadar region events calendar for 2026. It is an essential stop for anyone wanting to Visit Dalmatia and experience the city not just as a tourist destination, but as a global leader in archaeological science.
Date: October 28 – October 30, 2026
Time: Sessions typically run from 09:00 to 18:00 (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
Location: Educational and Presentation Centre for Underwater Archaeology St. Nicholas, Božidara Petranovića 1, 23000 Zadar
Entrance Fee: Registration required via the official ICOM ICMAH website; early bird rates and student discounts are typically available.
Maximize your conference experience by visiting these premier establishments located in the historic heart of the Zadar peninsula:
Restaurant Kastel: Located within the nearby Heritage Hotel Bastion, this award-winning restaurant offers a refined Mediterranean menu inspired by Zadar’s 3,000-year history. Perfect for a professional lunch or a sophisticated dinner.
Caffe Bar Kult & Dišpet: Found in the charming Varoš neighborhood just a short walk away, these adjoining bars are the soul of Zadar’s social scene—ideal for networking or a relaxed evening drink.
Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel: Situated in the “Kampo Kaštelo” district, this boutique hotel combines 19th-century architecture with modern art, providing a tranquil and inspiring stay for conference delegates.
Discover more local events, hidden gems, and the best bars and restaurants in the area on the Zadar Region Guide – your ultimate digital companion for exploring the heart of the Adriatic.
Uncover the hidden narratives of the ocean floor as Zadar welcomes the global heritage community for a landmark event. The ICOM ICMAH Annual Conference 2026 is coming to the shores of the Adriatic, bringing together international experts, curators, and archaeologists to discuss the future of maritime history. If you are looking for intellectually stimulating things to do in Zadar this October, this conference offers a rare glimpse into the cutting-edge science of underwater discovery.
Under the inspiring theme “Exploring the Depths – The Inspirational Journey of Maritime Archaeology,” this prestigious gathering focuses on the preservation and presentation of underwater cultural heritage within museum collections. Organized by the International Centre for Underwater Archaeology (ICUA) Zadar in collaboration with major local and global institutions, the conference explores the full trajectory of maritime finds—from their dramatic recovery on the seabed to their final interpretation in modern museum spaces.
Participants and visitors will engage with critical contemporary topics, including:
Conservation & Management: Managing artifacts recovered from shipwrecks and submerged ancient urban centers.
Technology & Innovation: Showcasing the latest tools for mapping and documenting submerged sites.
Environmental Impact: Analyzing how changing coastal environments affect our shared maritime history.
Anti-Looting Strategies: Innovative practices to protect vulnerable underwater sites from illicit excavation.
This event marks the first time this ICOM committee has held its annual conference in Croatia, making it a cornerstone of the Zadar region events calendar for 2026. It is an essential stop for anyone wanting to Visit Dalmatia and experience the city not just as a tourist destination, but as a global leader in archaeological science.
Date: October 28 – October 30, 2026
Time: Sessions typically run from 09:00 to 18:00 (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
Location: Educational and Presentation Centre for Underwater Archaeology St. Nicholas, Božidara Petranovića 1, 23000 Zadar
Entrance Fee: Registration required via the official ICOM ICMAH website; early bird rates and student discounts are typically available.
Maximize your conference experience by visiting these premier establishments located in the historic heart of the Zadar peninsula:
Restaurant Kastel: Located within the nearby Heritage Hotel Bastion, this award-winning restaurant offers a refined Mediterranean menu inspired by Zadar’s 3,000-year history. Perfect for a professional lunch or a sophisticated dinner.
Caffe Bar Kult & Dišpet: Found in the charming Varoš neighborhood just a short walk away, these adjoining bars are the soul of Zadar’s social scene—ideal for networking or a relaxed evening drink.
Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel: Situated in the “Kampo Kaštelo” district, this boutique hotel combines 19th-century architecture with modern art, providing a tranquil and inspiring stay for conference delegates.
Discover more local events, hidden gems, and the best bars and restaurants in the area on the Zadar Region Guide – your ultimate digital companion for exploring the heart of the Adriatic.
Dobrodošli u Zadar Region Guide, vašu inovativnu platformu osmišljenu kao nezaobilazan izvor informacija za istraživanje bogate kulturne baštine i prirodnih ljepota naše regije. Trenutno smo u Beta fazi i kontinuirano radimo na proširenju ponude, no već sada možete pratiti najnovija događanja, besplatno predati svoj event ili istražiti prve opcije smještaja i atrakcija. Naš cilj je pružiti vam vrhunsko digitalno iskustvo prilagođeno mobilnim uređajima kako biste s lakoćom planirali svaki trenutak svog boravka.
Welcome to the Zadar Region Guide, your new interactive companion for exploring the very best of our stunning region. We are currently in our Beta phase and working hard to expand our listings, but you can already browse upcoming cultural manifestations, list your own events for free, and explore initial accommodation and attraction options. Our goal is to revolutionize your stay by providing a seamless, mobile-first platform for planning every detail of your visit.
