Ethnographic Museum, Belgrade

Located in Belgrade, Serbia, the Ethnographic Museum stands as one of the oldest museums in the Balkans. Founded in 1901 when its department separated from the National Museum of Serbia, it inaugurated its first permanent exhibition in 1904. You will find it housed in a striking Art Deco modernist building designed by Aleksandar Đorđević, originally built in the 1930s as the Belgrade Stock Exchange.

Today, the museum showcases Serbia's rich cultural heritage through eight permanent exhibitions set across three levels, alongside extensive temporary displays. Exploring its collections offers you an authentic look into 19th-century life, featuring roughly 56,000 ethnographic objects out of 200,000 total items. You can view private collections spanning traditional costumes, jewelry, furniture, cult objects, folk architecture, transport, animal husbandry, and industry.

The museum also works to revitalize local crafts and hosts the Center for the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Serbia, which preserves dozens of Serbian elements. Despite suffering heavy losses during both World Wars, the museum retains its vibrant mission, housing one of the Balkans' richest specialized libraries and a top conservation service.

What to see at Ethnographic Museum, Belgrade

• Over 56,000 ethnographic objects including traditional costumes and jewelry
• Eight permanent exhibitions set across three spacious building levels
• Historic 1930s Art Deco building overlooking Studentski Trg
• Exhibits detailing 19th-century Serbian folk architecture and traditions

Visiting tips

Be sure to appreciate the historic Art Deco building's preserved, authentic facade and monumental entrance area as you arrive at Studentski Trg.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Ethnographic Museum, Belgrade is easy to reach on Belgrade’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Bajrakli Mosque and National Theatre in Belgrade. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Belgrade travel guide.