Belgrade, Serbia’s vibrant capital, is a city rich in history and culture. Its museums offer a fascinating journey through time, making it a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts. From ancient relics at the National Museum to modern masterpieces at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Belgrade’s museums showcase the city’s diverse heritage.
Explore the life and innovations of Nikola Tesla, delve into the history of Yugoslavia, and enjoy the eclectic collections of applied and decorative arts. This guide highlights the best museums in Belgrade, providing insights into their unique collections and what makes each one special. Whether you’re planning a visit or just curious, this guide will help you discover the cultural treasures of Belgrade.
National Museum of Serbia (Narodni Muzej)
The National Museum of Serbia, located at the heart of Belgrade on Trg Republike, is the oldest and largest museum in Serbia. It boasts an impressive collection of over 400,000 exhibits, ranging from prehistoric artifacts to significant works of art by global masters like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Monet. This museum is a treasure trove for history and art enthusiasts, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Serbia and the broader region.
- Location: Trg Republike 1a
- Notable for: Archaeology, art history, including works by Picasso, Gauguin, Kandinsky, Van Gogh, and Monet.
- Website: National Museum of Serbia
- Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun 10:00–18:00; Thu, Sat 12:00–20:00
Museum of Contemporary Art (Muzej Savremene Umetnosti)
Situated at Ušće 10, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a pivotal institution for modern and contemporary art in Serbia. It houses a vast collection of works from the 20th and 21st centuries, including pieces by notable Serbian and international artists. The museum’s innovative architecture and dynamic exhibitions make it a must-visit for those interested in contemporary art.
- Location: Ušće 10
- Notable for: Modern and contemporary art.
- Website: Museum of Contemporary Art
- Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00
Nikola Tesla Museum (Muzej Nikole Tesle)
Located on Krunska Street, the Nikola Tesla Museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of the great inventor Nikola Tesla. The museum’s collection includes Tesla’s personal items, original documents, and interactive exhibits that demonstrate his groundbreaking work in electricity and magnetism. This museum offers an insightful look into the mind of one of history’s most brilliant inventors.
- Location: Krunska 51
- Notable for: Exhibits on the life and work of the inventor Nikola Tesla.
- Website: Nikola Tesla Museum
- Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00
Museum of Yugoslavia (Muzej Jugoslavije)
Found at Mihaila Mike Jankovića 6, the Museum of Yugoslavia provides a deep dive into the history of the former Yugoslavia. The museum’s exhibits cover various aspects of Yugoslav history, culture, and politics, with a special focus on the life of Josip Broz Tito. The complex also includes the House of Flowers, Tito’s mausoleum, adding a personal touch to the historical narrative.
- Location: Mihaila Mike Jankovića 6
- Notable for: Artifacts related to the history of Yugoslavia and its leader, Josip Broz Tito.
- Website: Museum of Yugoslavia
- Opening hours: Wed–Sun 10:00–18:00
Ethnographic Museum (Etnografski Muzej)
Located at Studentski Trg 13, the Ethnographic Museum is one of the oldest museums in Serbia. It offers a comprehensive view of Serbian folk culture, showcasing traditional costumes, crafts, and household items. The museum’s extensive collection highlights the diverse cultural heritage of Serbia and the Balkans.
- Location: Studentski Trg 13
- Notable for: Serbian folk culture and traditional crafts.
- Website: Ethnographic Museum
- Opening hours: Tue–Sat 10:00–17:00; Sun 9:00–14:00
Military Museum (Vojni Muzej)
Situated within the historic Kalemegdan Fortress, the Military Museum in Belgrade provides an extensive overview of military history from ancient times to the modern era. The museum’s collection includes weapons, armor, uniforms, and other military artifacts that illustrate Serbia’s long and tumultuous history of warfare.
- Location: Kalemegdan 6
- Notable for: Military history, including Roman swords and medieval armor.
- Website: Military Museum
- Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00
Museum of Applied Arts (Muzej Primenjene Umetnosti)
Located on Vuka Karadžića Street, the Museum of Applied Arts in Belgrade features a rich collection of decorative and applied arts. The museum’s exhibits include textiles, ceramics, furniture, and graphic design, highlighting the evolution of applied arts from the medieval period to contemporary times.
- Location: Vuka Karadžića 18
- Notable for: Decorative arts and design.
- Website: Museum of Applied Arts
- Opening hours: Tue–Sat 10:00–18:00
Historical Museum of Serbia (Istorijski Muzej Srbije)
Found at Trg Nikole Pašića 11, the Historical Museum of Serbia offers thematic exhibitions on significant events and figures in Serbian history. The museum’s collections provide a detailed look at the cultural and historical development of Serbia, making it an essential stop for history buffs.
- Location: Trg Nikole Pašića 11
- Notable for: Thematic exhibitions on Serbian cultural and historical events.
- Website: Historical Museum of Serbia
- Opening hours: Tue–Sun 12:00–20:00
Automobile Museum (Muzej Automobila)
Situated at Majke Jevrosime 30, the Automobile Museum is a unique attraction in Belgrade, featuring a collection of over 100 vintage cars. The museum showcases the development of the automotive industry and includes rare models from different eras, offering a fascinating glimpse into automotive history.
- Location: Majke Jevrosime 30
- Notable for: Collection of over 100 vintage automobiles.
- Website: Automobile Museum
- Opening hours: Daily 9:30–20:00
Museum of African Art (Muzej Afričke Umetnosti)
Located at Andre Nikolića 14, the Museum of African Art is dedicated to the artistic and cultural heritage of Africa. The museum’s collection includes traditional African masks, sculptures, textiles, and everyday objects, providing insight into the diverse cultures of the African continent.
- Location: Andre Nikolića 14
- Notable for: African cultural artifacts and art.
- Website: Museum of African Art
- Opening hours: Daily 10:00–18:00
Zepter Museum (Muzej Zepter)
Situated on Kneza Mihaila Street, the Zepter Museum focuses on Serbian art from the mid-20th century to the present. The museum’s collection features works by prominent Serbian artists, offering a comprehensive overview of the country’s modern artistic movements.
- Location: Kneza Mihaila 42
- Notable for: Serbian art from the mid-20th century to the present.
- Website: Zepter Museum
- Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Fri 12:00–20:00; Thu 12:00–21:00; Sat, Sun 10:00–20:00
Museum of Science and Technology (Muzej Nauke i Tehnike)
Found at Dobračina 51, the Museum of Science and Technology highlights technological advancements and their impact on society. The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including industrial machinery, telecommunications, and scientific instruments, making it an educational experience for all ages.
- Location: Dobračina 51
- Notable for: Historical technological artifacts.
- Website: Museum of Science and Technology
- Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–20:00
House of Flowers (Kuća Cveća)
Part of the Museum of Yugoslavia complex, the House of Flowers is the final resting place of Josip Broz Tito. Located at Mihaila Mike Jankovića 6, this mausoleum and its surrounding gardens offer a serene and reflective space to learn about Tito’s life and legacy, as well as the history of Yugoslavia.
- Location: Part of the Museum of Yugoslavia
- Notable for: Mausoleum of Josip Broz Tito and related exhibits.
- Website: Museum of Yugoslavia
- Opening hours: Wed–Sun 10:00–18:00
Museum of Aviation (Muzej Vazduhoplovstva)
Located near Nikola Tesla Airport, the Museum of Aviation showcases the history of aviation in Serbia and Yugoslavia. The museum’s exhibits include aircraft, engines, and aviation equipment, though it is currently closed for renovation.
- Location: Nikola Tesla Airport
- Notable for: Aircraft and aviation history.
- Website: Museum of Aviation
- Note: Currently closed for renovation