Croatia has opened the world’s first laughter museum, called the HaHaHouse, in Zagreb. It’s a fun and interactive space designed to make people happy and help them forget the stresses of modern life. Moreover, there’s a karaoke room where you can sing along to your favorite songs with distorted voices.
A new laughter museum in Zagreb, Croatia, is bringing joy to visitors by helping them shake off negativity through laughter and fun experiences. The HaHaHouse, founded by Andrea Golubic, offers interactive exhibits designed to boost happiness and bring out the inner child in everyone.
The laughter-filled journey begins as visitors step inside and are greeted with a puff of white smoke meant to “blow away their worries.” Next, they climb into a giant “washing machine” that spins them around before sending them down a twisting slide into a pool filled with tiny white balls. This whimsical start sets the tone for the fun ahead.
Golubic, a 43-year-old Croatian, conceived the idea during the pandemic when many people were struggling with isolation and stress. “I realized that my mission was to heal people with laughter,” she said. Inspired by her joyful childhood, she created HaHaHouse to help others rediscover happiness.
Interactive Fun for All Ages
The museum features eight interactive zones, each designed to make visitors laugh. One of the highlights is a rubber chicken choir that clucks out famous songs, including ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.” There’s also a karaoke room where voices are hilariously distorted and a “Sumo Arena” where people wrestle in oversized, puffy costumes.
Visitors can also explore the history of humor through theatre, film, and internet culture. The museum explains different styles of comedy, from wordplay and slapstick to dark humor and satire. A selection of famous jokes, including one from US comedian Joan Rivers—“I’ve had so much plastic surgery, when I die, they will donate my body to Tupperware”—adds to the lighthearted atmosphere.
Laughter Meusuem: More Than Just Fun
The HaHaHouse is attracting visitors of all ages, from children to senior citizens. Many adults see it as an opportunity to reconnect with their playful side. “Laughter is medicine for the soul,” said one visitor, pensioner Bruno Dadic. Schools, retirement homes, and even psychiatric hospitals have shown interest in organized visits to promote mental well-being.
Psychologist Petar Kraljevic supports the concept, saying that laughter helps people cope with stress. “If everyone laughed for three hours a day, it would have a significant positive impact on mental health,” he noted.
With its unique approach to happiness, the HaHaHouse is quickly becoming a must-visit attraction in Zagreb, proving that sometimes, laughter truly is the best medicine.
