Cetinje has always been a city of culture. The number of museums, although not great, doesn’t take away from their importance, as each one of them is definitely worth a visit if you want to be introduced to Montenegrin tradition, culture, sensibility and significance. The Petrović royal family definitely contributed the most to the development of culture in the city, as they were spiritual and cultural leaders, as well as rulers of Montenegro, who constantly worked on the development of culture and people in general.
The King Nicholas Museum, aka The National Museum of Montenegro was established in 1926 in the residency of the last ruler of Montenegro, King Nikola I Petrović. The construction of the building lasted between 1863 and 1867. Its original function was to be the residency of the widow and daughter to Knjaz Danilo, Darinka. Darinka left Montenegro, and it was then that the building became what it is today. Once the residency of the King, today this landmark serves as a safe keeping place of Montenegrin past. Montenegrins from Cetinje used to call the building “Novi Palac“ at the time when the Biljarda no longer housed all of the members of the royal family.
The Cetinje National Museum – For fans of history, as well as anyone who wants to learn about the history of Montenegro, the historical museum of Cetinje is a must-see. The official name of the museum is the Cetinje Museum, and the landmark is one of the town’s most important and largest cultural buildings. The museum is located in the building called Vladin dom, constructed in 1910. The museum has six sections: the pre-Slavic section, Middle Ages Section, the 15th thru 18th century section, the section displaying artefacts from the period of the establishing of Montenegro between 1796 and 1878, the section of Modern Montenegro, displaying items from the period between 1878 and 1918, as well as a section portraying Montenegrin unity with other Southern-Slavic peoples.
The Etnographic Museum is located in the main pedestrian zone of Cetinje, esthetically enriching the area with the Castle of King Nikola. The gallery of the museum displays over 4400 items which all show the material and spiritual wealth of Montenegro. The Montenegrin national costume is unique in the world, and the women’s costume was even declared one of the most beautiful in the world. If you are interested in the looks and sound of gusle, this museum is absolutely worth visiting.
