Natural History Museum Dubrovnik - a large brick building with a clock tower
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Natural History Museum Dubrovnik

3.7
·395 reviews·Dubrovnik, Croatia

Discover the Adriatic's natural wonders, from marine life to ancient fossils, in this charming Old Town museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Natural History Museum Dubrovnik - a large brick building with a clock tower

Natural History Museum Dubrovnik

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the Adriatic's natural wonders, from marine life to ancient fossils, in this charming Old Town museum.

3.7
(395 reviews)

"A nice break from the crowds, offering an interesting look at the Adriatic region's wildlife."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Dubrovnik Pass Value

If you have the Dubrovnik Pass or 10 Museums Ticket, this museum is a worthwhile inclusion.

💧 Beat the Heat

No AC here! Visit early or late to stay comfortable. :sweat_drops:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Adriatic Wildlife

Adriatic Wildlife

Various floors

Discover taxidermied creatures, vibrant shells, and fascinating fossils from the Adriatic Sea.

Geological Wonders

Geological Wonders

Lower floors

Explore ancient fossils and rock formations that tell the story of the region's geological past.

Antun Drobac's Collection

Antun Drobac's Collection

Dedicated displays

Learn about the passionate pharmacist and collector whose work forms a significant part of the museum.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

With no air conditioning, visiting during the hottest parts of the day can be uncomfortable. Consider an early morning or late afternoon visit to avoid peak heat and crowds, especially if you're not using a Dubrovnik Pass.

Navigating the Exhibits

While some exhibits are thoughtfully curated, others may lack English translations. Prioritize areas with clear signage and consider it a charming, albeit small, exploration of the Adriatic's natural wonders.

Best Times

When
Morning or late afternoon
Why
Avoid heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer tour groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

New experiences in and around Dubrovnik

🎟️ Dubrovnik Pass Value

If you have the Dubrovnik Pass or 10 Museums Ticket, this museum is a worthwhile inclusion. Reddit

💧 Beat the Heat

No AC here! Visit early or late to stay comfortable. :sweat_drops: Reddit

🗺️ Finding the Entrance

It's a bit hidden! Look for the staircase at the bottom of a pathway. :map:

🗣️ Language Notes

Some exhibits may not have English translations, so be prepared. :speech_balloon:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Dubrovnik Pass Value

If you have the Dubrovnik Pass or 10 Museums Ticket, this museum is a worthwhile inclusion. Reddit

💧 Beat the Heat

No AC here! Visit early or late to stay comfortable. :sweat_drops: Reddit

🗺️ Finding the Entrance

It's a bit hidden! Look for the staircase at the bottom of a pathway. :map:

🗣️ Language Notes

Some exhibits may not have English translations, so be prepared. :speech_balloon:

What Travellers Say

3.7
(395 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Natural History Museum Dubrovnik to be a charming, albeit small, exploration of the Adriatic's wildlife and geology. While some exhibits lack English translations and the museum is not air-conditioned, it offers a peaceful break from the Old Town crowds and is a good value when included in city passes. Reddit

"You can tell they put a lot of thought into some parts of the exhibits yet it feels a bit underwhelming. Some rooms also don't have English translations. Three floors and no AC. If you have the Dubrovnik Pass or 10 Museums Ticket it's a nice way to pass the time."

Olivia Schneider

"The Dubrovnik Natural History Museum is a small but charming museum tucked away in the Old Town. It offers a nice break from the crowds and provides an interesting look at the Adriatic region’s wildlife, geology, and ecosystems. The displays include taxidermy, shells, fossils, and some interactive elements, especially suited for children."

Fayez Rehman

"This is no criticism of the Natural History Museum but I wouldn't have gone if it wasn't included in the Dubrovnik Pass. I've been to lots of NH museums in big cities which are very impressive, so this small collection doesn't do much for me. It was interesting reading about the main contributors, most notably Antun Drobac, a Pharmacist by profession but also an impassioned collector."

Miles Macdonald

What People Like

Peaceful break from crowds
Adriatic wildlife displays
Good value with passes

What People Dislike

No air conditioning
Limited English translations

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located within Dubrovnik's Old Town. If you're staying nearby, it's easily accessible by foot. For those coming from outside the Old Town, consider using the local buses that stop near the Pile Gate, and then walk into the historic center. Reddit

It can be a little tricky to locate as it's tucked away. Look for a staircase at the bottom of one of the pathways within the Old Town. Reddit

While you can arrive in Dubrovnik by boat, the museum itself is inland within the Old Town walls. You'll need to walk from the harbor area into the historic center. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The museum is often included in the Dubrovnik Pass or the 10 Museums Ticket, making it a great value if you plan to visit multiple attractions. Reddit

Generally, advance booking isn't required, especially if you have a pass. However, it's always a good idea to check their official website for any specific entry requirements or special events. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the museum's official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Reddit

Yes, it is frequently included in the Dubrovnik Pass and the 10 Museums Ticket, which can offer significant savings if you plan to explore multiple historical sites. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

No, the museum does not have air conditioning. Visitors are advised to visit during cooler parts of the day to ensure a more comfortable experience. Reddit

Some exhibits may not have English translations, so be prepared for some displays to be primarily in Croatian. Reddit

Yes, the museum has interactive elements and displays of wildlife and fossils that can be engaging for children. Reddit

A visit typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on your interest level and how thoroughly you explore each floor. Reddit

You'll find displays on Adriatic wildlife (including taxidermy and marine life), geology, fossils, and information about the museum's history and key contributors like Antun Drobac. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. It's generally advisable to check for signage at the entrance or ask staff if photos are permitted, especially without flash. Reddit

Focus on the more visually striking displays like the taxidermied animals, interesting fossils, or unique shell collections for memorable shots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Natural History Museum Dubrovnik is a great option for families looking for a break from the city's historical sites. The displays of taxidermied animals, shells, and fossils are often a hit with children, offering a visual and educational experience. Some exhibits are noted as being interactive, which can help keep younger visitors engaged. Reddit

Remember that the museum lacks air conditioning, so planning your visit for the cooler parts of the day is crucial for keeping kids comfortable. While some exhibits might not have English translations, the visual nature of the displays means children can still enjoy and learn from them. It's a compact museum, making it manageable for shorter attention spans. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

If you're traveling on a budget, the Natural History Museum Dubrovnik can be an excellent value, especially if you purchase the Dubrovnik Pass or the 10 Museums Ticket. These passes often include entry, allowing you to explore the museum without an additional fee. Reddit

Even without a pass, the museum offers a relatively inexpensive way to spend an hour or two learning about the local natural world. It provides a different kind of experience compared to the more prominent historical attractions, offering a more intimate and focused exploration. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Collections

The Natural History Museum Dubrovnik, spread across several floors, offers a glimpse into the rich biodiversity and geological history of the Adriatic region. Visitors can expect to see a variety of taxidermied animals, showcasing the fauna of the area, alongside extensive collections of seashells and marine life. These displays provide an educational look at the underwater ecosystems that surround Dubrovnik. Reddit

Beyond the wildlife, the museum also delves into the region's geological past. You'll find fascinating fossils and rock formations that illustrate the ancient history of the land. A significant part of the museum's appeal lies in its historical context, highlighting the contributions of passionate collectors like Antun Drobac, a pharmacist by profession, whose dedication to collecting has enriched the museum's holdings. Reddit

While some visitors find the exhibits a bit underwhelming compared to larger metropolitan museums, its charm lies in its focused collection and its role as a peaceful respite from the bustling Old Town. It's particularly noted for being kid-friendly, with interactive elements that can capture the attention of younger visitors. Reddit

Visitor Experience and Practicalities

A key point for visitors to note is the lack of air conditioning throughout the museum. This means that during the warmer months, especially midday, the interior can become quite warm, potentially impacting the comfort of your visit. Many travelers recommend visiting either first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon to mitigate the heat. Reddit

While the museum offers a unique look at local natural history, some visitors have pointed out that not all exhibits have English translations. This might limit the understanding of certain displays for non-Croatian speakers. However, the visual nature of many exhibits, such as the taxidermy and fossils, still allows for an engaging experience. Reddit

For those utilizing the Dubrovnik Pass or the 10 Museums Ticket, the Natural History Museum is often included, making it a convenient and cost-effective addition to your itinerary. It's a good way to pass the time and gain a different perspective on the region's natural heritage without a significant additional cost. Reddit

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