Military Museum

The Military Museum in Belgrade is a fascinating spot for anyone curious about military history, especially that of Serbia and the former Yugoslavia. Nestled within the historic Kalemegdan Fortress, this museum offers a deep dive into centuries of military evolution and conflict.

History

The museum was established back in 1878 by Prince Milan Obrenović. It was initially set up to mark the centennial of the First Serbian Uprising. Over the years, the museum has seen its share of ups and downs, especially during the World Wars when its collections were heavily impacted. Despite these challenges, it continued to operate even under occupation and has grown into a key institution in the region. Today, it boasts over 33,000 artifacts and a photo library with about 100,000 photographs, making it one of the most impressive military museums in the Balkans.

How to Get There

The museum is located within the Kalemegdan Fortress, which is quite accessible from Belgrade’s city center. Here’s how you can get there:

1. Walk up Knez Mihailova Street: Head to the northern end of this central pedestrian street.
2. Enter the Park: Continue straight into the park, passing by the Monument of Gratitude to France.
3. Head Towards the Clock Tower: Turn right and go through the first gate towards the central clock tower.
4. Find the Museum: Instead of going through the next gate, turn left. The museum’s main building is just a short walk up the stairs or ramp.

List of Attractions

1. Historical Exhibits: The museum offers a chronological journey through the military history of the former Yugoslavia, covering everything from ancient times to the NATO aggression in 1999. Key exhibits include the Kosovo Battle, Serbian Principality and Ottoman Conquest, Serbian Uprisings, Serbian-Turkish Wars, Balkan Wars, and both World Wars.
2. Open-Air Collection: Outside, there’s a major collection of 20th-century artillery and armored fighting vehicles, featuring Skoda, Krupp, and Schneider guns, along with captured German and Italian tanks and a Polish TK-3.
3. Special Library: The museum houses a library with 15,000 titles on history, art history, archaeology, museology, and related fields.
4. Unique Exhibits: Noteworthy items include a Humvee captured from NATO troops in 1999 and a steel plate used as a test target for armor-piercing ammunition.

Ticket Information

– Admission: The entry fee is 150 RSD, with various concessions available.
– Opening Times: Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Mondays and certain holidays.

Tips for Visiting

1. Plan Your Visit: If you’re focusing on recent history, you might spend about half an hour here. However, to fully appreciate the WWI and WWII sections, plan for at least an hour or more.
2. Explore the Fortress: The Kalemegdan Fortress itself is a historical gem, offering stunning views of the Sava River and the city. Take some time to explore its walls and other exhibits.
3. Combine with Other Attractions: The museum is part of the larger Kalemegdan Fortress complex, which includes other historical sites. Consider exploring other parts of the fortress during your visit.
4. Use Public Transportation: The museum is easily reachable by public transport. You can take trams 2 or 11, trolleys 28, 29, or 41, or buses 31 or 22a.

The Military Museum in Belgrade is a captivating destination for anyone interested in military history. With its extensive collections and unique exhibits, it’s a must-see for visitors to Belgrade.