A new attraction in Zagreb is giving visitors a chance to wash away negativity and embrace the power of laughter. HaHaHouse, a museum dedicated to humor and joy, welcomes guests with a playful start—walking through a puff of white smoke designed to “blow away worries” before stepping into a giant washing machine simulator. This whimsical “centrifuge of life” spins guests down a twisting slide into a ball pit, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience.
The museum was created by Andrea Golubic, who conceived the idea during the isolation of the Covid-19 pandemic. Seeing the emotional toll on people, she felt compelled to create a space dedicated to laughter and happiness. Inspired by her own childhood joy, she developed 78 exhibits, bringing the vision of HaHaHouse to life.
Inside, the museum features eight interactive zones, each designed to elicit laughter and playfulness. A standout attraction is the rubber chicken choir, which squawks out hits like Dancing Queen. Visitors can also enjoy a karaoke room that distorts voices or suit up in inflatable costumes for sumo wrestling matches. The exhibits explore different styles of humor, from slapstick and wordplay to satire and dark comedy. One section highlights famous one-liners, including a zinger from comedian Joan Rivers: “I’ve had so much plastic surgery, when I die they will donate my body to Tupperware.”
HaHaHouse has been a hit with visitors of all ages, from children to retirees, proving that laughter truly transcends generations. Many adults find it a welcome escape from daily stresses, reconnecting with their inner child. Pensioner Bruno Dadic was thrilled with his visit, emphasizing the importance of humor in life. “Laughter is medicine for the soul,” he said.
The museum has caught the interest of Zagreb’s psychiatric hospital, which sees potential benefits for patients, and collaborations with schools and retirement homes are also in progress.
For five-year-old Aleksandar Suka, the highlight was lying on the “bed of nails,” which he described as delightfully ticklish. Meanwhile, singer Zorica Bucic found the experience to be a perfect remedy for today’s overwhelming news cycle. “If people came here more often, they wouldn’t need a psychologist,” she joked.
Psychologist Petar Kraljevic supports the idea, noting that laughter strengthens emotional resilience. “If we prescribed three hours of laughter per day, the results would be remarkable,” he said. HaHaHouse proves that a little humor can go a long way in making life brighter.
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