Museum of Ethnography

The Ethnographic Museum of Dubrovnik, located in the historic Rupe/The Holes building, is dedicated to the ethnographic heritage of the peoples of the Dubrovnik region and the surrounding lands. The museum offers visitors the opportunity to delve deeper into the rich culture and traditions of Croatia, and especially Dubrovnik.

The museum began at the beginning of the 20th century, when a collection of traditional culture was formed, to which Jelka Miš (1875-1956) made an important contribution with her samples of traditional clothing and lace. In 1950, the first display of original ethnographic folk artefacts from the local area was opened on the second floor of Fort St John.

Since 1991, the museum has been located in the former granary building of the Republic of Dubrovnik known as Rupe/The Holes. Built in 1590, this building is a historically significant four-story structure. The building was badly damaged in the earthquake of 1667 and was converted into a three-story structure during later reconstruction.

The Ethnographic Museum has about 6,500 pieces of ethnographic heritage from the Dubrovnik region, Croatia and surrounding countries. Collections of traditional costumes from the Dubrovnik region, including Dubrovačko primorje, Elafite Islands, Konavle, Mljet, Lastovo, Pelješac, Korčula, Rijeka Dubrovačka and Župa Dubrovačka, are particularly outstanding.

A permanent exhibition on the first floor shows how grain was stored on site, while on the first and second floors there are displays of the traditional economic activities and rural architecture of the Dubrovnik region. The museum has a special emphasis on unique items from the 19th century that illustrate the diversity of textile craft in the Dubrovnik area.

The Ethnographic Museum of Dubrovnik is not only a historically significant site, but also a cultural treasure that offers visitors a deep insight into the region's traditions, lifestyles and crafts.

Photo: JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD