About Dubrovnik Museums
Visiting the museums in Dubrovnik is the best way to learn about the city’s eventful past and Croatian culture. While none of the Dubrovnik museums are particularly big, they each present the items well.
There are many museums in Dubrovnik, but you definitely can’t visit all of them, which we also haven’t. However, we did see the best ones that made the most sense.
So with this article, we’d also like to help you choose!
TRAVEL TIP
Most of the Dubrovnik museums we list in this article are included in the Dubrovnik Pass, which you definitely should get on your visit! You can read our Dubrovnik Pass Review for all the details.
Best Dubrovnik Museums
In no particular order, let’s explore the most worth-visiting museums in Dubrovnik.
The Red History Museum
The Red History Museum will take you on an interactive journey through Croatia’s era under the communist Yugoslavian regime.
This is a rare private museum and one of the only ones showing the neglected part of Croatia’s history.
It is open from 11 AM to 5 PM (Mon-Sat) and costs 9 EUR to enter.
Ethnographic Museum “Rupe”
One of the absolute best Dubrovnik museums is the Ethnographic Museum “Rupe,” where you can see traditional clothing, crafts, and tools exhibits.
It was fun seeing the traditional items displayed there, even for us locals from Croatia and Slovenia. Although, we were pretty familiar with many, as our families come from simple farming backgrounds.
Dubrovnik’s Ethnographic Museum costs 8 EUR and is open every day except Tuesday from 9 AM to 4 PM.
It’s also included in the Dubrovnik Pass. So, even if you’re short on time, it’s definitely worth a visit, as it’s not too big.
Homeland War Museum
To learn more about the events and timeline of the Croatian War of Independence, as well as the siege of Dubrovnik, visit the Homeland War Museum.
It’s one of the most expensive museums to visit in Dubrovnik, not because of its price, but because of the way to get there. It’s located inside the Fort Imperial atop Mount Srđ, a great vantage point in Dubrovnik.
The Homeland War Museum in Dubrovnik is open from 9 AM to 4 PM, and the ticket is just 5 EUR. But the return cable car to the top of Mount Srđ costs 27 EUR.
However, you can also take an Uber there or use the local bus to Bosanka and walk for about 20 minutes. You can also hike up Mount Srđ in about one hour. Check the Dubrovnik Srđ trail for more information.
House of Marin Držić
If you want to explore the life and works of Croatia’s greatest playwright, stop by the House of Marin Držić.
Marin Držić, also known as Croatian Shakespeare, is known for his satirical and comedic works that provide insight into his time’s social and political issues.
Please note that if you’re not particularly interested in literature or theater, visiting the House of Marin Držić might feel a bit underwhelming.
Fun fact: Arijana read Marin Držić’s work as part of her high school curriculum, so it was a special moment when she also managed to visit his house in Dubrovnik.
Born in Dubrovnik in the 16th century, Držić’s plays often featured colorful characters and witty dialogue that entertained audiences while challenging societal norms. His most famous works include “Dundo Maroje” and “Novela od Stanca.”
Držić’s legacy continues to be celebrated in Dubrovnik through performances of his plays and the annual Marin Držić Days festival.
The House of Marin Držić is open from 9 AM to 8:30 PM (Tue-Sun) and costs 19 EUR if you don’t get a Dubrovnik Pass.
The Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum displays a collection of model ships and artifacts that showcase Dubrovnik’s rich maritime history and trade.
Located inside St. John’s Fortress, the Maritime Museum is open from 9 AM to 6 PM (closed on Wednesdays and has limited opening hours outside the season). It’s also one of the museums that offer free admission for Dubrovnik Pass holders.
Love Stories Museum
Dubrovnik’s Love Stories Museum offers a unique and immersive experience into the world of love and romance. It’s like the opposite concept to the famous Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb.
The museum features a collection of artifacts, letters, and memorabilia that showcase the power and beauty of love throughout history. From famous love stories to personal anecdotes, the museum captures the essence of human connection in a captivating way.
You can stroll through the exhibits, read love letters from centuries ago, and even leave your own love messages on the interactive displays.
The Love Stories Museum Dubrovnik ticket costs 9 EUR and is open from 10 AM to 9 PM (6 pm in the off-season).
Museum inside the Franciscan Monastery
While not part of the “official” museums like others, the Franciscan Church and Monastery museum is worth visiting in Dubrovnik, especially if you get the Dubrovnik Pass or plan to visit the monastery anyway.
The museum part of the Franciscan Monastery is relatively small, but it exhibits church items, jewelry, and one of the oldest pharmacies with books and recipes.
Cultural History Museum
Inside the historically significant Rector’s Palace, also famous for its architecture and filming of Game of Thrones, you will find one of the top Dubrovnik museums, the Cultural History Museum.
Again, while small and quick to visit, you can find a nice collection of historic furnishings, oil paintings, weapons, manuscripts, and other artifacts. The keys to the city gates are also on display here.
The opening hours of the Cultural History Museum (Rector’s Palace) are 9 AM to 4 PM (except Mondays), and the ticket costs 15 EUR (also included in the Dubrovnik Pass).
On our last visit, we also managed to see the 1991 War Photographs exhibit, as many exhibitions take place inside the Cultural History Museum.
Final thoughts
Again, you can’t visit all of these museums, so our personal recommendation if you’re short on time in Dubrovnik is to visit these three museums:
- Ethnographic Museum “Rupe”
- Rector’s Palace and Cultural History Museum
- The Red History Museum
And if you manage to visit Mount Srđ, add to that the Homeland War Museum!
Continue reading
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- One Day Dubrovnik Itinerary (24 hours trip)
- Free Things To Do in Dubrovnik
- Travel to Dubrovnik on a Budget
- Guide to Dubrovnik Old Town
- Best Beaches in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik Pass Review (must-have for saving money)
- Where to stay in Dubrovnik (best areas & hotels)
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- Best Day Trips from Dubrovnik