A Walk Through Life In Communist Yugoslavia

A really enjoyable hour mooching around this museum learning about Croatian history. It’s only small but very interactive and enjoyable.

Really great, concise, lots of reading but worth it

Old School very nice small museum - great place away from the crowded old city - our son enjoyed it as well as us grown ups. You probably don’t spend hours there - fair price.

A tremendous little museum. Informative and engaging. The AR exhibits are superb

Very enjoyable experience lots to look at and see, expectations where met,

excellent well laid out tour with great information

Worth a trip. Very interesting.

My partner is always interested in communist era things so this was high on our to do list whilst in Dubrovnik. We decided to walk from the Old Town to the museum which took us around 40 minutes. Doable but not much fun on a very hot and sunny day. We got the bus back and that is probably the best and most affordable option both ways really. The museum itself is pretty small and calls itself ‘interactive’, which just means you can open certain cupboards and snoop inside really. It was very informative and there was a lot of reading, possibly too much. I’m interested but I don’t want to read a book on the subject were my main thoughts. It did have a small area playing a couple of videos from the era but I think a video introduction to the history of Yugoslavia would have been really beneficial. The highlight of this museum was the area wherein they’ve replicated an apartment from the communist era but now I’m in my late 40s I have to say it just looked like an apartment from my childhood in the UK. Same furnishings and everything so what am I learning here exactly re communism?! I’ve visited 3 other museums on this same topic in other European ex-communist countries and I’m afraid to say the others did it better. This museum isn’t bad but for the ticket price I didn’t get as good an experience as I gained at a similar museum elsewhere. It was mainly reading a book on communism displayed in an exhibition

Fantastic, engaging museum that walks you through different dimensions of Croatia’s socialist and communist history, from the larger international context to key political figures to economic conditions and development to people’s everyday lives. A highlight is the recreation of an apartment, down to the medicine cabinet. My one quibble is that a placard about women’s position was in the apt kitchen behind some pots. Either intentionally ironic or an afterthought?

A REALLY, REALLY good museum. Interesting and incredibly interactive, the exhibition guides you through from the origins of communism/socialism, to WWI and WWII, into Tito's Yugoslavia, the independence wars, and to the modern Croatia of today. All of the displays have interactive elements as shown by a green circle on those that can be opened, touched, listened too etc. There is a significant focus on the political and military development of the Yugoslav and Croatian state, but this is nicely balanced by social history exhibits like the entire apartment set up as it would have been in mid-20th century Yugoslavia, and a section on the rise of popular culture including music, literature, and sport in the 1980s. There is also a VR headset tour of the old factory that the museum is now based in and AR elements spread throughout - culminating in a photo booth that will place your image in a historical scene such as a tram ride, socialist workers cooperative, or meeting non-aligned world leaders. These photos can then be shared to your email address and have no extra cost. We were particularly touched by the room wherein the experience of the governor and prisoner of one of the post-WWII prison camps was directly contrasted - with the former largely denying any atrocities, and the latter derailing the torture he received. This museum is suitable for most people - kids will likely find messing about with the interactive bits entertaining (though I'm pretty sure most of the history will go over their heads), and even those who lived through these events from a distance (e.g. Westerners) will likely find a whole new perspective of this aspect of the cold war. The woman at the entrance desk was friendly and gave us a top to make sure we saw all the exhibits, and tickets were easy to buy from the desk or the card only machine at the door. There is a small gift shop with some fun and reasonably priced souvenirs. There are also places to stop and sit and engage with the exhibits at different points through the museum for those who may have difficulty standing too long I would highly recommend a visit and think this is an excellent stop for those based in the Gruz area or those travelling out from the old town/Lapad.

Really interesting museum, definitely worth a visit, a real throwback in terms of seeing lots of old things that probably make you recall your youth or for younger people to see a glimpse of how life was in that era. Costs about 9 euros to get in but worth it I would say. Was not that busy when we went, no parking on site but you can find parking close by. Also this where I discovered their Cockta drink (their answer to Coke) which you hear about in the museum but not realising it was still being made and sold in Croatia.

Very different and unique museum - quite a bit of reading to retell the story of Yugoslavia and communism. Had some interactive exhibits which we did not try. Learned a lot. Spent an hour. No additional time needed. $42 for four. Close to cruise port. Would need a bus from Old Town area. Open until 7 pm in September when we visited.

The Red History Museum deserves to be promoted strongly in Dubrovnik. It lays out the development of the local CP since about 1919, how Tito came to power, how he managed to forge new relationships with the west, whilst resisting his powerful neighbour, and doesn't gloss the cruelty of totalitarianism. There's a good socio cultural section showing life in the 50s, 60s, 70s with music to sample, and layouts of typical apartments. Very well worth exploring.

A fascinating morning spent exploring this museum learning about the formation of communism in the former Yugoslavia and how it evolved with time during and after Tito’s rule. Anyone vaguely interested in History, Politics or Society should visit. There are many interactive exhibits including a hilarious advertisement for bras, listening to the music of Yugoslavia, sitting in a Yugo car or inside one of the modular kiosks once so popular throughout Europe and Eastern Europe in particular. We wee staying in Dubrovnik the week we visited but it’s a short walk from the cruise terminal for anyone on a shorter stay.

Really well curated museum. The history boards at the beginning in English explain everything you need.to know. Then you move to rooms with very many objects from the era. You can interact with the exhibits where marked. The staff are friendly and helpful. Also had a cold drink from the time in the cafe. Definitely recommend visiting this museum.

It is an extremely interesting museum, very well organised, the information is in Croatian and English, it is a very interactive museum. We spent 2 hours or so there, the displays are fascinating and a little nostalgic, and it made me want to research the subject further.

Absolutely worth visiting. Interesting and informative. We teally enjoyed our visit. Loved that it was interactive. Totally recommended for all ages.

Just a very great experience. Found it by chance, but spent there a good couple of hours! The interactivity is great, and it connects you with all your senses!

An interesting couple of hours in what felt like a trip back in time. There’s a lot of reading and the museum would be improved by a more interactive experience. I enjoyed the video footage. The photo essays were good too.

A fascinating view of life in Yugoslavia, warts and all. There's a balanced account of 20th century Yugoslavian politics, covering the period leading up to WW2, the establishment of the Tito era and the disintegration of the regime following his death. There's also a trip through Mid Century Modern styling of 60s Yugoslavia. Some of that furniture would fetch a fortune at Camden Market. An emphasis on the everyday lives of ordinary families, shown through donated photographs. Excellent museum.

We are staying in Dubrovnik for a few weeks and this was on my list to visit. The location is right by the Gruz cruise port so would be a great excursion for people on their own at port. We ended up spending almost three hours here as there is so much to see and understand Yugoslavia, how they got there and how it all unraveled. It’s interactive, so open the cabinets and explore! Thru even had music of the era you could listen to, movies you can watch (heartbreaking) and other inventions of the time, like the kiosk. They also had a VR headset so you can ‘walk thru’ the old factory that was on the site before. You can grab a beer on the patio afterward if you want. It’s got AC but it’s not super cool in there. Bring your reading glasses as well. Well worth the time to learn about this time.

Very nice museum with lots to see! Interesting artifacts and not only placates to read. I'm not huge history buff but my boyfriend is, and we both enjoyed our visit a lot. Not very big place, but definitely worth the price, 9e/adult and 7,5e/student.

I loved the museum - a fascinating look at life in socialist Croatia during the time of Tito and Yugoslavia. It's similar to the GDR Museum in Berlin but a bit more objective and serious. The rest of the family liked it too. I was unsure if my 10 year old son would appreciate it. But the hands-on nature of so many exhibits kept his interest, although he lingered less to read everything than I did!

Nice retrospective into the time od pan-slavic unity. We think about some other times, during which maybe there were some positive ways of living in closed society. Closed from globalised trends of capitalism the slavic front found communism as its last defence against modern slavery. Maybe its because the origin of Slavs misery goes back to Roman times when they were the source of slave collection. Slave, Slav, eastern europeans know the best whats it to be a slave. Thats why they gave communism a chance.

Great museum with interesting and interactive displays explaining the history of the old Yugoslavia and events leading up to Croatia’s independence. The written descriptions of historical events are very clearly written and intertwined with lots of industrial, cultural and sporting artefacts to tell the story of the rise and fall of communist Yugoslavia. Well worth the entrance fee and about an hour of your time if you are interested in modern history.

In our group we had some who really enjoyed this museum and some that didn’t. If you have any interest in history this is for you. It’s interactive and that helped keep some Intrest in the museum. Man who was working was very friendly and welcoming.

The museum offered everything I expected and more! The communist lifestyle and social realism was very well put forward, and we found many household items reminding us of our youth in Finland - if not communist, close to the eastern block anyways. This is how the history should be told - not to cover the sometimes darker aspects, but to tell everything openly.

I was automatically drawn to this museum when booking my itinerary for my trip to Dubrovnik - mostly because I enjoy history and studied the politics of the former Yugoslavia when studying at university - was not disappointed. The guy working on the reception was extremely friendly and willing to answer questions about the information that was presented a long the walk - he was extremely knowledgeable and we were able to have a non-judgemental conversation about European history in general. Definitely recommend that you visit this quaint little place!!

We loved the museum. It’a nice small and quirky. Everyone should see it. Also, it’s really affordable. I wish though that the last years of how the system broke down would have been more displayed. Nevertheless, great thing to do.

Enjoyable experience. Gave an insight into what life was like in the old Yugoslavia. Very text heavy but well worth a visit.

If you find yourself in Dubrovnik, the Red History Museum is an absolute must-see. It's a hidden treasure that manages to both entertain and educate, leaving you with a profound understanding of life in communist Yugoslavia. It's conveniently located near the Gruž Harbor. If you’re staying near old town, getting to the museum is a breeze – just a quick 30-minute stroll or a 10-minute bus ride. As others mentioned, the museum is ideal in size – not an all-day tour, but a delightful stop that allows you to immerse yourself without feeling overwhelmed. Every section of the museum has something unique to offer, with one area presenting a meticulously crafted replica of a traditional 1970s Yugoslavian home. Stepping inside feels like traveling through time. Make sure to take your time checking out the interactive displays in the replica kitchen, bedroom and living room. There’s plenty of fun surprises and interesting facts hidden behind cabinet doors and under bunk beds. The interactive bits amp up the fun factor and make the history feel more alive and accessible. Personally, I very much enjoyed the hall of photos featuring real families, each with a funny, heartwarming, or fascinating tale. Don’t miss the wall showcasing the music and pick up a bottle of Cockta on your way out, a Slovenian soda with a backstory that's as intriguing as it is delicious. The Red History Museum surprises and delights at every turn. It is an essential stop for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the region's history. Definitely add it to your list.

What an incredible museum. Just the right size, good information and loved the VR feature and clear explanation. Extra Points for being SUPER inclusive also having an “all gender” Bathroom. We notice, we see you and appreciate you. Sending love. A must visit for anyone in the area

Really interesting museum. It's well laid out, you see the good side of socialism and then move into the dark side! There are lots of interactive elements to it and lots of information. The only negative is that at the end, it advertises you can try Yugoslavian drinks but not sure where that was supposed to be!

Spent 45 minutes or so wandering through the museum. Interesting information on life during the Yugoslav republic. Well presented and worth a visit. 9 euros pp

This is a must see. The museum does a great job of explaining the history of Croatia under communist rule. Something we need to remember and never forget.

A great little museum giving you insight to the 1991 war and former Yugoslavia. The museum is well laid out with a lot of great information and exhibits. You get a discount with the Dubrovnik pass. Definitely worth a visit.

This museum is located near the harbour, a ten minute bus ride from the old town center (or a 30 minute walk, if you feel like it). It is a small, engaging museum, detailing the life of ordinary people in socialist/communist Yugoslavia, as well as describing how their politics differentiated from those the Soviet Union. You are essentially walking through a replica of what a regular home in 1970s Yugoslavia could look like and looking at pictures of people living their lives at the time - both tourists and locals alike. The museum also has a VR-station, where you can see what the original factory building, at which premises the museum is now located, looked like from the inside. And you can have a little taste of tradition Yugoslavian candy as well. The man at the desk was very friendly and attentive as I left the bigger part of my luggage behind to go explore. You get a discount with the Dubrovnik pass. All in all, this was well worth the visit, and I left the museum, having learned something new.

Global history, regional history, personal stories.. all presented in a very accessible way with lots of exhibits and artefacts. And a bottle of Cockta and Pipi at the end rounded off a great hour and a half.

Excellent museum striking a perfect balance between availability and detail. The main exhibition was very well made, with lots of objects and artifacts from the Yugoslav era. Definitely worth a visit.

I wouldn’t even class this place as a museum. The lack of history is embarrassing, the highlight of the museum was the small gender neutral toilet and walking out of the place never to step foot in again

A very well organised museum that explains the background and history of Yugoslavia through the 20th Century from the end of World War 1 to the break up of tue country into the separate countries that now exist today.

An excellent informative museum which took us through Yugoslavia from the early days of Russian influence, communism and the changes to modern day life and politics. I was very interested in mortality rates and lifespan of the population. Really well done and fascinating.

Fascinating insight into the recent past of Croatia and how that has impacted on the present. Without doubt the best museum we visited in our 10 days in Dubrovnik very interactive and informative the staff were also very enthusiastic, good value for money. If you are a student remember to ask for the student price and also there is a discount if you have a Dubrovnik pass (we didn’t know this so our passes had expired when we visited)

An informative glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in this area when it was a part of Yugoslavia under communist rule. If you aren't familiar with this time in the country's history, it's definitely worth the trip to this museum to gain a better understanding. And going through the museum doesn't take all day, so it's a nice add-on outing if you have other activities planned for a day but still want to do something else in the morning or afternoon.

Great overview of life in communist Yugoslavia with interactive exhibits. Friendly and helpful staff, and an eye-opener for our capitalist kids!

As ‘Cold War Kids’ we always jump at the chance of visiting museums like this one. The Red History Museum in Dubrovnik is dedicated to showing life in post-war Yugoslavia, under Tito’s Communist regime. It shows how the ordinary Yugoslavian citizen lived, with mock-ups of apartments, examples of the clothes they would’ve worn, the products they would have bought, etc. It also gives the history of the countries that formed Yugoslavia, and how Tito managed to keep the separate ethnic identities from fracturing the country apart, as would happen after his death. It’s very well done, and we really enjoyed mooching around the museum. We would recommend it to anyone interested in 20th century social and/or political history.

A very interesting experience. The Red museum gives tourists a good idea of the history of Croatia since Yugoslavia. One gets to see how life is through the exhibits of a home from those days. Also very detailed explanation of history and snippets from the past. Definitely worth a visit if you want to know Croatia better.

Ljubo gave us a warm welcome and kindly looked after our bags whilst we browsed the museum. There are many interactive fun activities to do, including music from yesteryear. There was also a 1970/ 1980s Disco exhibition with some wild costumes and film of the time. Plus you get a discount if purchasing a ticket with your Dubrovnik Pass!

Loved this museum, incredibly interesting and informative. The blend of political and historical information with lived experience and technology made the whole thing pop in a wonderful way. The virtual and augmented reality materials were great, adding to the experience rather than overpowering it. A really authentic and well designed museum that gives a fascinating (and balanced view) of Croatia’s recent history