Museums in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s museums provide a window into the city’s rich heritage, offering insights into its seafaring traditions, artistic achievements, and cultural identity. These institutions, often housed in historic buildings, bring together architectural charm and compelling exhibitions, making them an essential part of any visit.
From ancient artifacts to contemporary art, Dubrovnik’s museums cater to diverse interests. This guide highlights the city’s most captivating museums, ensuring you make the most of your time exploring their treasures.
Best museums in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik boasts a selection of highly-rated museums that provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the city’s rich history and culture. The Cultural History Museum in the Rector’s Palace is often regarded as the top museum, featuring a vast collection of artifacts that narrate the story of Dubrovnik from its early days to modern times. Close by, the Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik (MOMAD) showcases contemporary works, making it a favorite among art enthusiasts.
Other notable mentions include the Maritime Museum, located in Fort St. John, which highlights Dubrovnik’s seafaring heritage, and the Franciscan Monastery Museum, known for its historical pharmacy and serene gardens. The Red History Museum rounds out the top five, offering insights into Croatia’s socialist past through engaging exhibits. Most of these museums are conveniently situated within or near the Old Town, making them easily accessible for visitors exploring this historic area.
Museums in Dubrovnik map
To help you explore the rich cultural offerings of Dubrovnik, we’ve included a Google Map that highlights the city’s museums. This interactive map makes it easy to find each museum, many of which are located in the charming Old Town, allowing for a seamless visit as you stroll through its historic streets.
With this map, you can plan your itinerary and make the most of your time in Dubrovnik. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or local culture, this resource will guide you to the best-rated museums that showcase the unique heritage of this beautiful city. Enjoy discovering all that Dubrovnik has to offer!

Cultural History Museum
- Address: Androvićeva 1, 20000 Dubrovnik
- Working hours: Winter (November 1 – May 31): Monday to Friday 10 AM – 5 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 2 PM, closed on Sundays. Summer (June 1 – October 31): daily from 9 AM – 6 PM
- Price: adults: €15, students/children: €8
The Cultural History Museum, situated in the Rector’s Palace, serves as a key to understanding Dubrovnik’s history. This Gothic-Renaissance palace was once the administrative heart of the Republic of Dubrovnik, where rectors governed and lived during their one-month terms.
The museum’s collection spans approximately 20,000 artifacts, including paintings, textiles, ceramics, and weapons. Visitors can explore the rector’s chambers, courtrooms, and other spaces that showcase life in the Republic from the 15th to 19th centuries. A highlight is the bust of Miho Pracat, a tribute to a local merchant celebrated for his contributions to the city. Created by Italian sculptor Pietro Giacometti in 1638, this piece exemplifies Dubrovnik’s ability to recognize merit regardless of social rank. The Rector’s Palace itself, with its elegant architecture and detailed carvings, is a masterpiece worth admiring.
Maritime Museum
- Address: St. John Fortress, Dubrovnik
- Working hours: daily from 9 AM to 6 PM
- Price: adults: €10, students: €7
Housed in St. John Fortress, the Maritime Museum narrates Dubrovnik’s role as a maritime power. Its exhibits range from ancient navigation tools to intricate ship models and artifacts recovered from shipwrecks.
Founded in 1949, the museum’s collection of over 11,000 items highlights the city’s seafaring achievements and the cultural exchange fostered through trade. Visitors can trace the city’s maritime evolution through historic maps, navigational instruments, and accounts of trading routes. Dubrovnik’s wealth and cultural exchange were largely driven by its maritime success, which is impressively shown in this museum. The fortress itself enhances the experience, offering stunning views of the harbor and reinforcing Dubrovnik’s maritime heritage.
Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik
- Address: Put Frana Supila 23, 20000 Dubrovnik
- Working hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9 AM – 8 PM, closed on Mondays
- Price: adults: €10, students: €7
The Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik (MOMAD) celebrates modern and contemporary Croatian art. Located in a grand villa near the Old Town, its collection spans from the late 19th century to the post-World War II era, featuring works by Vlaho Bukovac and other notable artists.
In addition to its permanent displays, MOMAD hosts temporary exhibitions that include photography, video art, and sculpture, making it a dynamic cultural hub for art enthusiasts.
Ethnographic Museum
- Address: Rupe Granary, Dubrovnik
- Working hours: daily from 9 AM to 6 PM
- Price: adults: €8, students: €5
Located in a historic grain storage facility, the Ethnographic Museum showcases Dubrovnik’s rural traditions and craftsmanship. Its collection includes traditional costumes, jewelry, and lace, highlighting the cultural heritage of the region.
Visitors can explore vibrant garments from Konavle and the Elafiti Islands, as well as intricate lace-making, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. These exhibits connect visitors to the daily lives and creative expressions of Dubrovnik’s ancestors. The museum’s unique setting, with its deep stone pits, adds to its charm and authenticity.
War Photo Limited
- Address: Antuninska ul. 6, Dubrovnik
- Working hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM, closed on Sundays and Mondays
- Price: general admission: €5 (may vary for special exhibitions).
War Photo Limited is a gallery dedicated to the raw realities of conflict, with a focus on the breakup of Yugoslavia and other global wars. The powerful photographs by renowned photojournalists offer a sobering look at the human cost of war.
Founded by photographer Wade Goddard, the gallery also offers signed, limited-edition prints for those who wish to support its mission. A visit here is both moving and thought-provoking.
Red History Museum
- Address: Iva Vojnovića 1, Dubrovnik
- Working hours: daily from 10 AM to 7 PM
- Price: adults: €8, students: €5
The Red History Museum explores life in Croatia during the Socialist era. Interactive exhibits depict daily life, from reconstructed home interiors to propaganda materials. Visitors can handle objects, view photographs, and listen to personal stories, creating an immersive historical experience.
This innovative museum ensures that the lessons of the past remain engaging and accessible, offering a fresh perspective on Croatia’s modern history.
Art Workshop Lazareti
- Address: Lazareti, Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Working hours: Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM; Saturday and Sunday: closed
- Price: admission is generally free for exhibitions, workshops may have varying fees.
Located in a historic quarantine complex just outside the Old Town, the Art Workshop Lazareti is a dynamic cultural center that promotes contemporary art and multimedia projects. Its exhibitions and workshops often explore themes of social justice, equality, and community.
The Lazareti complex itself, with its stone architecture and rich history, adds depth to the creative endeavors showcased within. Visitors are encouraged to participate in events and engage with the evolving cultural dialogue that this workshop fosters.

Franciscan Monastery Museum
- Address: Placa 2, Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Working hours: Winter (November 3 – March 21): 9 AM – 2 PM, Summer (March 22 – November 2): 9 AM – 6 PM
- Price: adults: €4, reduced: €2
The Franciscan Monastery Museum is part of a stunning Renaissance complex, best known for its ancient pharmacy, one of the oldest in Europe. The museum displays original apothecary jars, tools, and manuscripts, giving insight into medieval medicine and monastic life.
Visitors can also admire rare liturgical items, fine jewelry, and the serene cloister garden, which adds a peaceful dimension to the experience. This museum offers a unique perspective on the intersection of faith, science, and history.
Homeland War Museum
- Address: Imperial Fort, Srđ Hill, Dubrovnik
- Working hours: daily from 10 AM to 6 PM
- Price: adults: €5, students: €3
Perched in the Imperial Fort atop Srđ Hill, the Homeland War Museum chronicles Dubrovnik’s experiences during the Croatian War of Independence. Through photographs, videos, and personal artifacts, it paints a vivid picture of the city’s struggles and ultimate resilience.
The fort itself offers breathtaking views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea, providing a striking contrast to the poignant exhibits within. This museum is a must-visit for understanding the city’s modern history.
Love Stories Museum
- Address: Antuninska ul. 6, Dubrovnik
- Working hours: daily from 10 AM to 8 PM
- Price: adults: €5, students/Children: €3
The Love Stories Museum is a heartwarming tribute to love in all its forms. Situated near the Old Town, it features exhibits of mythical, historical, and real-life love stories. Visitors can even contribute their own tales, adding a personal touch to the collection.
The museum also connects Dubrovnik to famous love stories portrayed in film and television, making it a unique and sentimental stop for romantics and history enthusiasts alike.
Practical information for visiting museums in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Pass
The Dubrovnik Pass is a convenient way to explore multiple museums and attractions. Available for purchase at tourist centers or online, the pass offers entry to most museums mentioned in this guide, as well as additional cultural and historical landmarks, including the City Walls. Passes are available in one-, three-, and seven-day options to suit different itineraries. For up-to-date pricing and details, visit the official Dubrovnik Pass website.
Dubrovnik Museum tickets
Individual tickets for museums can be purchased at their respective entrances or online. For those not using the Dubrovnik Pass, this is an alternative option. Many museums provide discounts for students, children, seniors, and groups. Some also offer combined tickets that grant access to multiple locations managed by Dubrovnik Museums. Check the Dubrovnik Museums website for the latest pricing and policies.
Are museums in Dubrovnik free?
Most museums charge an entry fee, but some offer free admission on special occasions, such as International Museum Day (May 18) or during specific times for local residents. Families visiting with children may find free or reduced rates at certain museums, making it worthwhile to inquire in advance. The Dubrovnik Pass can significantly lower costs for visitors planning to see multiple attractions.
Opening hours and seasonal variations
Museum opening hours in Dubrovnik may vary by season, with extended hours during the summer months to accommodate increased visitor traffic. Winter schedules are typically shorter, and some museums may close entirely on holidays or during the off-season. Checking official websites or contacting museums directly before visiting is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Accessibility
Dubrovnik’s historic buildings can pose challenges for visitors with limited mobility. While efforts have been made to improve accessibility in some museums, others may still have steep stairs or uneven flooring. If accessibility is a concern, contact the museum in advance to learn about available accommodations or alternative options.
Find out everything you need to know about the Dubrovnik Pass.
Dubrovnik’s history and culture
Dubrovnik’s museums provide a wonderful way to lean in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. From the fascinating maritime stories at the Maritime Museum to the contemporary art at MOMAD, each place offers something unique. War Photo Limited also stands out with its powerful images that tell important stories about the city’s resilience.
If you’re a history lover, an art fan, or just curious about what Dubrovnik has to offer, these museums are definitely worth a visit. They give you a chance to explore the city’s past and present in a meaningful way. So, make sure to check them out during your trip – you won’t be disappointed!