Being the religious and cultural center of the Dalmatia region, Dubrovnik boasts an incredible historical heritage. This heritage is manifested by the large number of cultural establishments in the city, among which there are numerous museums and galleries. Check them out by following the steps of this self-guided tour.
1) War Photo Limited
This is a relatively new addition to the city of Dubrovnik. The center was opened in 1990 by famed photographer Wade Goddard, specialized in photos from war zones and areas of conflict around the world. He came to this part of the world and decided to make it his home. As one might expect then, Goddard has extensively documented the Croatian-Serbian War of 1991 from Yugoslavia.
If you are going to visit the place, be prepared ahead for the graphic nature of the content. It is not be the best venue for children. Those who are willing to visit, though, will see some truly disturbing images shot during wartime. Visiting this museum costs around US$6.00.
The hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. during the months of May through October. They are closed on Mondays during this time. From June to September, they are open every day from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. They are closed all together from November until April of each year. The museum is located on Antuninska Street, which is the main street passing through the oldest part of the city.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Mario Romulic
2) Museum of Serbian Orthodox Church
The Serbian Orthodox Church symbolizes the city's religious tolerance and open-mindedness. Next to the church proper is the church's icon museum, which showcases religious relics, ancient icons, church textile, metal liturgy objects and ancient documents. You can also see religious relics from Russia, Serbia, Crete and other Orthodox countries.
3) Marin Držić House Museum
The museum was organized in 1989, so it has not been part of the town for very long. It was built in honor of a very famous Croatian writer of plays and skits. Yet, they have managed to build a nice display in a short time. You will be able to visit a place that is designed to display the science and art of what is called “theatre.” It will take you through exhibits on such things as costume design, conceptual art, and stage construction.
The location really goes above and beyond just being a museum though. They actually do scientific research here on things that can help to improve the overall experience of theatre. You will never find a better place designed around the overall ambience of the visit. It is also unique in all of Croatia. The research done here is used by theatre companies all over the world to improve their performances.
The museum is open to the general public Monday through Saturday of each week, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. They are closed on Sundays. However, you can contact the curator to arrange for a private tour of the museum as well.
4) Dubrovnik Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum was built in an old building that dates back to the 16th Century. It was built as an old granary. The Republic of Dubrovnik used to keep the national grain supply here at one time, so you can image how important it used to be.
In today’s time, the exhibits attempt to display what life was like for the common people of the region. You can find displays here of old clothing, as well as ceremonial costumes that were worn during festival times. You can also see a classic example of the old Rector’s robes. There is some beautiful artwork on display of the local wildlife. Mainly, though, you will get to see displays of the agrarian culture of the area. You will find examples of local farm tools and implements, as well as equipment used with farm animals etc. Since this is an old grain mill, you will also find a lot of information on how the culture went about the task of saving grain for food, in order to survive the long winters here.
The museum is open from Wednesday through Monday each week, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., from November through March each year. They are closed on Tuesdays. In the spring and summer months, they are often open a bit later, but you will need to check on the hours of operation.
5) Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Treasury
Cathedral Treasury is a museum located within the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin in Dubrovnik. The Treasury of the Cathedral displays a wide collection of religious relics, such as bronze and gold vessels, jewelry, as well as parts of the body of Saint Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and László Szalai
6) Maritime Museum
The museum is located at Fort St. Johns. It occupies the first and second floor of the building. The lower flower is designed to give the visitor an idea of what maritime life was like for the people of Dubrovnik. There are also some great exhibits on shipbuilding here. The upper floor shows exhibits of maritime life from more recent times, including the thriving steam ship trade that was here up to World War II.
The Peliesac Peninsula has been well known for its maritime industry for centuries. You can trace this back easily to the time of the Roman Empire. This location has done a good job of documenting that information in a way that is interesting and informative. Make sure to visit the scaled down models of the ships from Dubrovnik that are on display here.
They are open to the public from Tuesday through Sunday of each week, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. They are closed on Mondays. The entrance fee is also very reasonable. The cost of admission is typically around $5.75 U.S., but you may want to call ahead to verify. Seasonality can cause this to change a bit.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and peak4
7) Memorial Room of the Defenders of Dubrovnik
The Memorial Room of the Defenders is to be found on the ground floor of the Sponza Palace in Dubrovnik. It is a massive room with walls depicting monochrome pictures of Dubrovnik during the 1991 Homeland War, which is also known as the Croatian War of Independence. It's a memorial monument dedicated to the ones, who lost their lives while defending their homes.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Bracodbk
8) Dominican Monastery Museum
Located in the old Dominican Monastery of Dubrovnik is a wonderful little museum that many visitors miss. The campus is an example of one of the first multi-faceted construction projects done in the city. It is even built into the walls that protected the city.
The location is dedicated to preserving and displaying religious art from the city of Dubrovnik. There are some wonderful old paintings here. You can also find old reliquary items here, as well as some remarkably well preserved church vessels and triptychs. The skull of King Stephen I of Hungary is reportedly held in the reliquary here.
The museum is open to the public daily from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 pm. The cost of admission is $1.75 U.S., which is a great value for a good museum. It is located off a small passageway that is located behind the Sponza Palace. A big doorway will lead you to the Church of St. Dominic also. The bell tower, as well as an old medieval well is also here to see, as part of the overall complex that surrounds the museum.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Dan..
9) Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art is housed in a beautiful mansion that was built in 1935 for the Croatian shipping magnet Božo Banac. The Museum was founded in 1945 and came to its present location in 1948. The building is a combination of Renaissance and Gothic styling. Even if art is not tops on the visit list, the mansion and grounds alone are worth the visit.
The art inside the museum may not be well known to those who are not true art aficionados. That does not mean the art is not worth seeing. Quite the contrary, this is an incredible chance to become familiar with little known but important works of art. The display area includes the majestic palace, plus the breathtaking mansion grounds that include magnificent views of the sea. There are over 2,000 works of art to peruse that include bronzes, impressionist pieces and minimalist works.
Between the paintings, sculptures, gardens and newly renovated mansion, this is a must see attraction. The museum is located at Franca Supila 23 and is open from 10am to 8pm daily except Mondays. There is a minimal entrance fee.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Dan Rybicky