„Great time in museums!“

Unfortunately, no one has yet invented a time machine, so we can explore past events or meet people we admire. Luckily, museums somewhat enable us to go back in time and enjoy the path of history. And Belgradians will be doing just that this Saturday, during the Long Night of Museums!

The Long Night of Museums (or Night of Museums) is a 17 year-old cultural event in which various cultural institutions are open late into the night to visitors with a common entry pass. The concept had a humble beginning in 1997, in Berlin (in German Lange Nacht der Museen), but quickly grew in popularity and expanded to 120 cities in Europe, Argentina and the Philippines.

On the evening of May 17th, museums across Serbia will open their doors to art and history fans for the eleventh time! In Belgrade, visitors will have access to no less than 80 locations, organized into 7 different zones. With so many interesting things to see, planning your route may be difficult. Thus, we decided to help you by presenting you with our Top 4 “places to be“.

„A small collection of a big scientist!“ - Museum of Nikola Tesla

While most people know Tesla as a great scientist, few know he was a passionate art collector. As weird as it may sound, Tesla had a remarkable sense for art. His personal collection of artwork includes Dutch landscapes, fine Japanese art, caricatures and aquarelle paintings with animal motives.

The museum curators give you a unique opportunity to see Tesla as curator, however, you will also be reminded of his greatest achievements and work in interesting 3D animations.

„Hello, dear newlyweds!“ - Konak kneginje Ljubice

Have you ever wished to see what weddings looked like 100 years ago? If that’s the case then you definitely need to visit Konak kneginje Ljubice. Within its premises, you will time travel from the 19th century onwards and see how customs and dresses have changed through the years. You’ll be able to experience a true Serbian wedding back in the day and learn about different roles people had at weddings.

„Freemasons in Serbia“ - Museum of Ethnography

What is it about Freemasons that make them so intriguing? What is the meaning of this organization and when was it established? 

Freemasonry occupies an important place in Serbian history, with names such as Vuk Karadzić, knez Mihailo Obrenović, Ivo Andrić, Djordje Vajfert, Aleksa Nenadović and Stevan Mokranjac associated with it.

On display will be private collections, a specially prepared Nazi Anti-masonry exhibit and, for the first time, a Freemasons temple!

„Museum of magic“ - The House of King Peter

Flying tables, Chinese circles, cards, top hats and magic wands! Anything you can think of when you think of a magic show you can see here. This „institute of wonders“ was founded by famous Serbian illusionist Miroslav Vuković Rossy. 

You will be able to see an exhibition of historical elements of magic shows dating back to ancient Egypt and some of the most famous magic tricks, including Houdini’s “Milk Can Escape”.

For more information, you can go to www.nocmuzeja.rs.

(Written by Nevena Nikolić)