The Historical Museum of Serbia

11-Aug-2024 • Belgrade Serbia

The Historical Museum of Serbia was very close to our hotel. In fact, we passed by it everyday while we went sightseeing all over the city. Given its proximity to where we were staying, we decided to visit. Admission was the equivalent of US$4.00 per person. Although the museum looked big on the outside, it really occupied only one floor. Moreover, most of the exhibits were reproductions of the originals. There were golden crowns, scepters, and gowns worn by the Serbian royals from centuries ago. There were also halls that displayed objects that once belonged to the Serbian royals.

What seemed like paintings from afar were actually reproductions of actual frescoes inside churches.

I found the reproductions of the royal crowns very impressive and they weren't made by just one person. The crowns of Emperor Dusan, King Milutin, and despot (cruel) king Stepahn Lazarevic were reproduced by filigree artist Goran Ristovic Pokimica. The crown of Empress Jelena (Helena) was by sculptor Jasminka Brkanovic while the crown of Helena Angel (Anjou) was made in the goldsmiths' workshop of Marselj and Simon Civljak.

My favorite exhibits in this museum were about the Serbian royal family from the 1800s which occupied one wing. I enjoyed reading about the royal Serbian families. The visit taught me something new.