Night of the Museums in Dubrovnik -

In recent years, Dubrovnik has joined the European initiative of the Night of the Museums. As part of this, the galleries, museums and cultural institutions will open their doors for free to the public from 6 pm to 1 am on the last Sunday in January. They will also offer special events on this magical night; readings, workshops and other surprises await visitors. The offerings are so diverse that we have selected a few of the most interesting museums for you which you will be able to visit on Jan. 27 in Dubrovnik without spending a single euro.

Museum of Cultural History

The former Rector´s Palace is now home to this museum which has a fine collection of objects originating from the period of the Republic of Dubrovnik, Ragusa. Its paintings, ceramics, clothing, ornaments, jewelry and photographs cover a period in history from the 15^th century to 20^th century (Knezev dvor 1).

Sponza Palace

One of the most beautiful buildings in Dubrovnik is the Sponza Palace. Built in 1522 and featuring both Renaissance and Gothic styles, it has always been a public building where intellectuals and artists of the time held social gatherings in its stately halls. Now, the municipal archives preserves and organizes exhibitions and recitals regularly. One of its rooms is dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the war of 1991. In their gift shop, you can buy replicas of some of the documents in their collection.

Ethnographic Museum

This museum is located in the old granary of the city, one of the most important buildings in the history of Dubrovnik that dates from 1590 and was once used to store grain reserves. Dubrovnik was able to boast of being the only city in Europe that kept the grain in underground stone silos, and the original aspects of this part of the building were preserved during its restoration. Today, it showcases the ancient economy and cultural heritage, including traditional costumes and elements of local folklore (Od Rupa 3).

Marin Drzic House

Drzic was one of the most notable playwrights of Croatia and this museum theater, which is unique in the country, was created to pay tribute to his work. Considered a museum environment, they have exceptionally recreated the 16^th century décor. In addition to Drzic’s work, you can see his personal collection of posters and theater programs.

Maritime Museum

The fortress of San Juan is home to this museum dedicated to the naval history of Dubrovnik which opened in 1986. Its permanent collection consists of more than 4,000 objects from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries, among which are reproductions of the ships, flags, record books, guns and cannons.

Franciscan Monastery Museum

One of the first pharmacies in Europe, dating from 1317, is hidden under the walls of the monastery. In addition, one can also discover the fund dedicated to the art of the city, consisting of items of jewelry, embroidery and sculptures, and an impressive library that holds invaluable historical manuscripts and incunabula.