The Dubrovnik Natural History Museum (Prirodoslovni muzej Dubrovnik) is a modest yet insightful institution dedicated to showcasing the natural heritage of the Dubrovnik region and the broader Adriatic area. Housed in a historic Renaissance palace in the heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town, it focuses on local biodiversity, geological features, and environmental changes through a collection of taxidermied specimens, herbariums, fossils, and marine artifacts. Established in the 19th century, the museum reopened in its current form in 2009 after periods of closure and reorganization. It appeals particularly to families, nature enthusiasts, and those interested in regional ecology, offering a quiet respite from the bustling tourist spots nearby. While not as grand as some European natural history museums, its exhibits highlight the unique flora and fauna of Croatia's southern coast, including rare and extinct species.
The museum's origins date back to 1872, when it was founded as the
Museo Patrio (Patriotic Museum) by the Dubrovnik Chamber of Trade and
Crafts. This establishment was based on the private natural history
collection donated by Antun Drobac (also spelled Dropac), a local
pharmacist and ship owner who was a passionate collector of specimens
from the Adriatic region. The collection grew significantly between 1882
and 1917 under the stewardship of renowned Dubrovnik naturalist Baldo
Kosić, who acquired over 1,117 specimens, expanding the museum's
holdings in zoology, botany, and geology.
Over the years, the museum
faced challenges, including closures due to wars and earthquakes, such
as the 1667 Great Earthquake that affected much of Dubrovnik's
architecture. It was reorganized and reopened to the public in its
modern form in 2009, becoming part of the broader Dubrovnik Museums
network. Today, it continues to emphasize conservation and education,
reflecting on historical changes in biological diversity and the impact
of human activity on local ecosystems. The institution has also
benefited from contributions by other naturalists, such as Matija
Botteri and Marija de Cattani, whose algae herbarium forms a key part of
the botanical collections.
The museum is located in the Andrović Palace (Palaca Andrović), a
16th-century Renaissance building in Dubrovnik's UNESCO-listed Old Town.
Situated at Androvićeva ulica 1, it is tucked away on a quiet side
street off the main Stradun (Placa), providing a serene atmosphere away
from the crowds. The palace itself features classic Dalmatian stone
architecture with simple, elegant facades typical of the period,
including arched windows and sturdy walls built to withstand seismic
activity. Inside, the exhibits are spread across four floors (though
some sources note three main display levels), with modern display cases,
wooden flooring, and thematic wall designs, such as floral murals in
wildlife sections.
The location is highly accessible on foot from
major landmarks like the Pile Gate or the Rector's Palace. For visitors
arriving by bus, stops near Pile Gate are convenient, followed by a
short walk into the Old Town. However, the building lacks air
conditioning, which can make visits uncomfortable in summer, and some
areas may have limited accessibility for those with mobility issues due
to stairs between floors—no elevators are mentioned in available
sources.
The museum's permanent collections emphasize the natural history of the Dubrovnik region, the Adriatic Sea, and surrounding ecosystems, with a strong focus on zoology, botany, and geology. Key themes include local fauna, marine life, and biodiversity changes over time, featuring taxidermied animals, herbariums, fossils, and rock formations. Exhibits are interactive in parts, making them engaging for children, and cover mammals, birds, reptiles, algae, and more.
Zoological Specimens: A wide array of taxidermied animals
representing regional wildlife, including an otter, Mediterranean monk
seal (an endangered species), various birds, and reptiles. Notable
marine items include a Leatherback sea turtle caught in the Adriatic in
1894, a Thresher shark, a Smooth hammerhead shark, and the head and tail
of a large tuna from the late 19th century near Ston.
Botanical
Herbarium: An extensive algae collection gathered by Matija Botteri and
Marija de Cattani, highlighting the underwater flora of the Adriatic.
Geological and Fossil Exhibits: Fossils and rock formations illustrating
the area's ancient geological history, with displays on extinct species
that once inhabited the Dubrovnik region.
Marine Life: Seashells,
coral, and other underwater artifacts showcasing Adriatic ecosystems.
Temporary exhibitions are not extensively detailed in sources, but
the museum occasionally hosts special displays on environmental topics,
such as conservation efforts or current ecological issues. Labels are
primarily in Croatian, though some English translations are available;
visitors often use translation apps for full comprehension.
Among the standout artifacts are rare marine specimens like the 1894 Leatherback turtle and the Mediterranean monk seal, which underscore the museum's role in preserving records of endangered and extinct local species. The interactive elements, such as touch-friendly displays and educational panels, make it particularly family-oriented. The museum also serves as a research hub, with collections used for studies on Adriatic biodiversity. Educational programs include workshops and guided tours on occasion, though details vary—check the official website for current offerings. Photography is generally allowed, but flash may be restricted in sensitive areas.
The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Sundays and public holidays. Hours may vary seasonally, so verification via the official site (pmd.hr) is recommended. Admission is 20 € for adults and 10 € (or 8 € per some sources) for students, pupils, and children. It is included in the Dubrovnik Museums' 10 Museums Ticket (20 € adults, 10 € students) or the Dubrovnik Card/Pass, which offers access to multiple sites like the Rector's Palace and City Walls, plus public transport perks. A typical visit lasts 1-2 hours. Reviews note its small size (not overwhelming) and child-friendliness, though some find it underwhelming if visited standalone—ratings average around 3-4 out of 5.