National Museum of Montenegro

The National Museum of Montenegro is the country’s largest museum complex, established in 1926 in Cetinje. It unites multiple specialized museums and monuments under one institution.

• Comprises over 10 museum units, including historical, art, ethnographic, and archaeological museums.
• Includes the King Nikola Museum, Petar II Petrović Museum, Njegoš’s birthplace, and mausoleums at Lovćen and Orlov krš.
• Administrative headquarters is in the Government House (1910, Neo-Renaissance).
• Permanent exhibition of the Historical and Art Museum opened in 1989.
• Over 3000 items were reportedly stolen from the museum during the 20th century.

• Government House with historical and art collections.
• King Nikola Museum with personal belongings of the Petrović dynasty.
• Ethnographic Museum and the Gallery of Contemporary Art “Miodrag Dado Đurić”.

The museum’s origins go back to 1836, when a collection of weapons, flags, and church relics was first displayed. In 1890, the collection moved to the Laboratory building, and soon after a law established the Montenegrin Library and Museum.

The institution was formally founded in 1926. In 1976, systematic documentation began, and by 1989 a permanent exhibition was established.

In 1992, the museum received its current name – National Museum of Montenegro. In the 2000s, it expanded further with the Archaeological Museum and Lapidarium.

Location: historic core of Cetinje, Novice Cerovića Street.
Getting there: walking distance from city center, bus connections from Podgorica and Budva.
Access: open to the public with ticketed entry.
Visiting hours: daytime, depending on individual exhibitions.
Visit duration: 1–3 hours depending on chosen units.
Best time: spring and summer, ideal for combining the museum with walking tours in Cetinje.
Notes: exhibitions are spread across several buildings, some located outside Cetinje (e.g., Lovćen mausoleum).