The first interactive museum of everyday life in Croatia during the Yugoslavian communist regime has opened in Dubrovnik, one of the most visited cities on the Croatian coast. Using new technologies visitors are invited to explore history by themselves. Augmented reality app makes history come to life, and hidden information throughout the museum transform it into a learning playground for people of all ages.
Red History Museum (RHM) is divided into three parts – socialism in theory, socialism in practice and socialism in memory. These three parts paint a detailed picture of all layers of life under the watchful eye of the Yugoslav Communist party that ruled for almost 50 years. Visitors can learn how the “beloved” supreme leader Tito came to power, how did living in a unique political environment looked and felt like, how did the secret agencies made sure that everyone was “happy”, and how people today remember this very different time in Croatian history.
RHM is a project founded by a team of young local designers, historians, journalists, photographers and archeologists, which was supported by people all over Croatia who donated various items, photographs and even their own life stories.
Nino Glavinić, one of the founders, explained: ”Although the topic of Yugoslavia still raises eyebrows, and people are quite careful when they speak of it, we decided that enough time has passed, and that we can accept that Yugoslavia is a part of our history…” He continues: “Dubrovnik is lacking in modern trends like transforming old industrial complexes into culture and art centers, and most of Dubrovnik’s cultural content is cramped into the suffocatingly overcrowded Old town. We wanted to enrich other parts of Dubrovnik, bring innovation into cultural content and set an example for future generations of young entrepreneurs.”
In the museums souvenir shop visitors can buy Yugoslav versions of Fanta and Coca Cola, the “hardest” sweets in the world – Bronhi, and many more unique souvenirs. RHM is situated in more than half a century old industrial complex TUP, which is one of the few remnants of socialist industrial architecture in Dubrovnik.
The price of individual ticket is 50 kuna (HRK). Children under the age of 8 get a free entrance. Working hours are from 9AM till 10PM. Part of the profits are allocated to the local youth education programs.
No dogs are allowed, but the staff will be happy to keep them safe outside of the museum.
Red History Museum
Adress: Svetog Križa 3, 20 000 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Tel: +385976807625
E-mail: [email protected]
