Museum of Pedagogy, Belgrade

The Museum of Pedagogy, located in the heart of Belgrade, stands as one of the oldest museum institutions in the country, with its origins dating back to 1896. Founded by the Teachers' Association of Serbia, the museum was established with the mission to collect and preserve teaching aids and assets of pedagogical and historical significance for primary schools and teachers.

The concept for the museum was inspired by Teacher Dimitrije Putnikovic during his study trip to the Czech Republic, where he was introduced to the Czech education system. His vision led to the creation of an institution in Serbia focused on teacher education and the enhancement of teaching methods. The museum was originally housed in a building from 1840, which was once ceded to the First Belgrade High School and is now protected as a cultural monument.

Despite being destroyed in both World Wars, the museum was rebuilt and modernized after 1945. It resumed operations in 1969 with the introduction of a permanent exhibit titled “Ten Centuries of Serbian School in the Building of the Belgrade Lyceum (Realka)”. This exhibit provides a comprehensive overview of the history of education in Serbia from the 9th to the early 20th century, featuring original items, documents, photographs, and books. A notable feature of the exhibit is a reconstruction of a 19th-century classroom, offering visitors an immersive historical experience.

The museum plays a vital role in preserving and presenting the development of Serbian education over the centuries. It houses over 50,000 documents, books, writings, photographs, and student works. In addition to its extensive collection, the museum is active in publishing works related to education and pedagogy, contributing to the academic discourse on these subjects.

The museum not only serves as a repository of educational history but also as a testament to the resilience and continuity of the Serbian educational system through times of upheaval and reconstruction.