National Museum in Belgrade to open in June 2018

(The National Museum in the Republic Square in Belgrade) Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister Ana Brnabic visited the building of the National Museum in Belgrade on Saturday, January 6, 2018 and announced the opening of this cultural institution six months from then, the website of the Government of Serbia says.

Brnabic pointed out that the reconstruction of the National Museum was one of the most important projects for the citizens and the future of Serbia and added that its opening in June would send a message that culture is important and that the state would invest more in it, as it was the healthiest base for a long-term development of Serbia, but also the signal that the Government completes its projects.

– The year 2018 marks 15 years since the closing of the museum, a cultural genocide we have imposed on ourselves, so it's important to complete and open the National Museum, after last year's opening of the Museum of Contemporary Art – the prime minister said.

Vucic expressed his conviction that the National Museum would open on the St. Vitus Day and that citizens and tourists from all over the world would be able to see the rich cultural offer of this key institution of Serbian culture and spirituality.

– There have been no permanent exhibitions here since 2003. I am very pleased with the fact that the reconstruction here began in 2014 in essence. The reconstruction is to be completed by March 31, according to the workers and the contractors. You will have time to see how the exhibition is being set up and I believe that we will be able to open this museum, certainly the most important Serbian cultural institution for citizens of Serbia and the world, along with the National Theater, on the St. Vitus Day – the president said.

He pointed out that, following the National Museum, the Belgrade City Museum should be reconstructed, which requires EUR 20 million.

The director of the National Museum, Bojana Boric Breskovic, pointed out that this was the oldest museum institution in the country and that it was founded in 1844. She added that the construction works would be completed on March 31 and that they would be followed by activities requiring conditions which were being met at the moment.

The activities related to a permanent exhibition should start from that moment, she pointed out and explained that the permanent exhibition should present the development of culture in this area from the prehistorical period to the 20th century, with a special focus on the national culture and the presentation of the national being.

The building, she added, has been reconstructed from the ground up and features full infrastructure and modern devices, allowing the cultural heritage to be exhibited to the public.

The National Museum closed for visitors in 2003.

Narodni muzej Beograd

Muzej savremene umetnosti Beograd

Bojana Boric Breskovic

Aleksandar Vucic

Ana Brnabic

reconstruction of the National Museum

Belgrade City Museum