National Museum of Serbia
Beograd
Established in 1844, the National Museum of Serbia is the largest and oldest museum in Belgrade, located prominently on Republic Square. The museum building, originally constructed between 1902 and 1903 for the Uprava Fondova financial institution, showcases neo-Renaissance architecture with neo-Baroque elements, including domes and monumental staircases. It became the museum's home in 1952 after extensive reconstruction following wartime damage. The museum's vast collection includes over 400,000 objects, featuring significant archaeological finds, numismatic collections, and masterpieces by renowned international artists such as Botticelli, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Picasso, and many others. Its permanent exhibition spans 5,000 square meters across three levels, covering periods from the Paleolithic era to 20th-century art. The museum also oversees several affiliated institutions, including the Gallery of Frescoes and the Museum of Lepenski Vir. The building itself is a protected cultural monument, reflecting both Serbia's cultural heritage and architectural history. The National Museum remains a vital cultural institution, attracting visitors with its rich historical collections and world-class artworks.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and consider purchasing tickets in advance, especially during special exhibitions. The museum offers discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Allocate at least 90 to 120 minutes to explore the extensive permanent collection. Check the official website for current exhibitions and opening hours before your visit.
Interesting facts
- •The museum holds the Miroslav Gospel, the oldest and most valuable Cyrillic manuscript, dating from around 1190.
- •The museum's building was one of the first in Belgrade to use reinforced concrete in its foundation.
- •During World War II, the museum's collection was largely preserved despite bombings and looting, with only minor losses.
- •The museum's art collection includes works by internationally renowned artists such as Botticelli, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Kandinsky.
- •The National Museum oversees several other museums, including the Gallery of Frescoes and the Museum of Lepenski Vir, located at significant archaeological sites.
History
The National Museum of Serbia was founded on May 10, 1844, initially housed in various locations including Captain Miša's building and the New Royal Palace.
Its current building was originally designed and constructed between 1902 and 1903 as a bank headquarters by architects Andra Stevanović and Nikola Nestorović.
The building was damaged during World War II bombings but was repurposed for the museum in 1950, officially opening in 1952.
Over time, the museum's collection grew substantially, surviving wartime looting and damage.
The building was declared a Monument of Culture of Great Importance in 1979.
Throughout its history, the museum has undergone expansions and renovations to accommodate its growing collections and to modernize its exhibition spaces.
Place Guide
Permanent Exhibition
Spanning 5,000 square meters across three floors, the permanent exhibition covers human history from the Paleolithic era through the Middle Ages to the modern age, showcasing archaeological artifacts, numismatic collections, and fine arts.
Museum Building1902-1903
Originally built between 1902 and 1903 for the Uprava Fondova bank, the building features neo-Renaissance architecture with neo-Baroque domes and monumental staircases. It was reconstructed after World War II damage and repurposed for the museum in 1952.
Gallery of Frescoes
An affiliated institution dedicated to preserving and exhibiting Serbian medieval frescoes, offering insight into the country's religious and artistic heritage.
Museum of Lepenski Vir
Located in Donji Milanovac, this museum preserves artifacts from one of Europe's most important Mesolithic archaeological sites, highlighting prehistoric human settlements.
Contact
Phone: 060 8075020
