Dubrovnik, a city overflowing with historical churches, houses, and palaces, is often regarded as a living museum itself. The city boasts a thriving cultural and museum scene that tells the story of the past, art, science, and even life itself. Explore with us the top Dubrovnik museums and galleries you won’t want to miss during your visit to our city.
Cultural History Museum in the Rector’s Palace
The roots of the Cultural History Museum date back to 1872, following the founding of the Patriotic Museum. The museum’s collection contains approximately 20,000 artifacts collected from the end of the 15th to the beginning of the 20th centuries, with a focus on cultural, historical, and artistic significance. The permanent exhibition is housed in the Rector’s Palace and showcases the artistic and historical heritage of the Dubrovnik Republic. Here, visitors can experience the life of the rector, wandering through state offices, courtrooms, jails, churches, and reception rooms.One noteworthy artifact at the Cultural History Museum is the bust of Miho Pracat, the first and only commoner in the Dubrovnik Republic to have a monument erected in his honour. The statue, created by Italian sculptor Jacometti in 1638, even made an appearance in the popular television series Game of Thrones.
Dubrovnik Natural History Museum
Established in 1872, the Dubrovnik Natural History Museum encourages children to discover the world’s enthralling wonders. The museum houses a fascinating collection of 100-year-old taxidermy specimens that will captivate young and old alike.
Maritime Museum in Fort St John
Dubrovnik’s rich maritime tradition comes alive at the Maritime Museum, located inside Fort St John. Visitors can marvel at Dubrovnik’s prosperous maritime history and the evolution of its sailing tradition from antiquity to present day. Today, the museum proudly holds over five thousand objects classified into fifteen collections.
Rupe Ethnographic Museum
Rupe Ethnographic Museum showcases the granary and storage of the state grain and wheat reserves in deep pits cut into the rock. Acquaint yourself with the customs and folk costumes of the Dubrovnik region and remember that you are observing a significant piece of the living history of the region.
Home of Marin Držić
The smallest museum in Dubrovnik, the Home of Marin Držić, is dedicated to the life and work of one of Croatia’s greatest comedians, Marin Držić. The museum serves as a theater museum, a scientific-documentary institute, and an exhibition space.
Franciscan Monastery Museum
Located in the renaissance hall accessible from the cloister, the Franciscan Monastery Museum displays parts of Europe’s third oldest working pharmacy, as well as paintings from renowned artists, a collection of artifacts and liturgical items, gold jewelry, and other valuables.
Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik
Established in 1945, the Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik fuels imagination, ignites minds, and inspires visitors. The museum showcases work from the Dubrovnik Colourist School of Painting and contemporary art exhibitions and collections.
Dulčić Masle Pulitika
Discover the art of Dubrovnik’s finest artists – Ivo Dulčić, Antun Masle and Đuro Pulitika – at the Dulčić Masle Pulitika gallery, situated in the heart of the old city centre. Part of the Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik, the gallery features an exhibition space for various authors and works, as well as workshops organized by the Art Gallery Dubrovnik.
War Photo Limited
War Photo Limited is an exciting modern gallery offering unbiased photojournalism from global war zones. The gallery showcases the human element of war with a permanent exhibition on the second floor dedicated to photos from the bloody break-up of Yugoslavia. Dubrovnik’s fortifications have been tested numerous times, and the gallery’s exhibition offers a unique perspective on the city’s history.
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Art Workshop Lazareti
Art Workshop Lazareti, an independent cultural centre, is located in Dubrovnik’s historic Lazareti building complex. Established in 1988, it aims to promote social equality and cultural diversity through multimedia. The organization includes art workshops, a well-established contemporary art gallery Otok, and a night club. Working with local and international artists, it promotes an independent and investigative approach to contemporary art and culture. Art Workshop Lazareti is one of the most influential contemporary art organizations in Croatia. If you’re a fan of contemporary art, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this centre in Dubrovnik, open year-round.
Museums and Galleries of Konavle
Museums and Galleries of Konavle is a public institution dedicated to exploring, preserving, and presenting the region’s treasures. The organization operates on several sites, including the Konavle County Museum, House Bukovac, the Archaeological Museum, and the Mausoleum of the Račić family. They partner with local communities and educational societies to create programs that engage enthusiasts in local issues and develop an understanding of the region’s history and diversity. Explore the museums and sites to discover the elements that make up the past and present life in Konavle.
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The Bukovac House
The Bukovac House in Cavtat is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. It was the birthplace and childhood home of Vlaho Bukovac, one of the most prominent Croatian painters and founder of modern Croatian painting. The house is a typical urban house from the turn of the eighteenth century with a small garden on the side of the south façade and a spacious back garden on its north. It consists of two separate units, and the west wing had only one story until Bukovac built another level above it, organizing the top floor as his atelier. After Bukovac’s death in 1922, his daughters transformed the atelier into an exhibition space open to visitors. The permanent collection is made up of Bukovac’s works from all the phases of his oeuvre. The museum is open year-round and is part of the Museums and Galleries of Konavle, which is open to all researchers.
Homeland War Museum
A war museum, nestled in the Imperial Fort on the Srđ hill, tells the unbelievable story of Croatia’s devastating recent past. The Homeland War Museum captures the essence of Dubrovnik’s recent tragic history.
The Sebastian Art Gallery
The Sebastian Art Gallery is a must-visit for art enthusiasts seeking authentic Croatian art. The gallery showcases rotating exhibits by emerging and celebrated artists such as Oton Gliha. The gallery’s opening events take place in a separate room with a bar, making it an ideal social gathering spot. Don’t miss out on this vibrant hub of creativity!
Love Story Museum
Established to present real personal love stories and objects of great sentimental value from around the world, the Love Story Museum is one of the most romantic while at the same time nostalgic museums you’ll ever visit.
Red History Museum
The Red History Museum is a peculiar time capsule of the Yugoslavian everyday life of the working class. Visitors can “experience almost half a century of life under the communist regime – from secret services and the communist party to pop culture and the development of consumer society.”
Your Black Horizon
Your black horizon is a mesmerizing art installation that consists of a thin line of light that emerges from a gap in the black walls. The light changes colour every 15 minutes, going through the full cycle of colours seen in the local sky. Commissioned by Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary, the installation is housed in a pavilion designed by architect David Adjaye. Originally located in Venice, it was later moved to the beautiful Croatian island of Lopud.
Talir Gallery
Talir is a cosy yet magnificent gallery, run by a couple who share a passion for the craft. Their curated collection of original works and prints caters to the taste of both contemporary and classic art enthusiasts, with an array of sizes to choose from. The attentive owners will make your visit a delightful experience with their knowledge and expertise.
