Rupe Ethnographic Museum

The Ethnographic Museum Rupe in Dubrovnik, located in an ancient granary dating back to the 16th century, is a fascinating testimony of the culture and rural traditions of the region. The name “Rupe” means “holes” in Croatian, referring to the deep silos carved into the rock that were used to store grain. These silos, lined with a waterproof material to keep the grain dry and at a constant temperature, were essential for the food security of the Republic of Dubrovnik, which was never affected by famine thanks to this ingenious storage solution. The granary was built in 1590 and originally included four floors, with fifteen deep silos about nine meters deep. Severely damaged by the earthquake of 1667, the building was rebuilt and reduced to three floors, but still maintained its function as a warehouse until its conversion into a museum. The Ethnographic Museum Rupe was established in 1950, when it began to exhibit a collection of ethnographic artifacts collected since the early decades of the 20th century. Today, the museum houses over 6,500 objects documenting the ethnographic heritage of Dubrovnik and the surrounding areas, including traditional costumes, handmade textiles, agricultural tools, and household items. On the ground floor of the museum, visitors can see the original silos and understand how the grain was stored. The upper floors offer an overview of traditional economic activities and rural architecture of the region. Here, one can admire both festive and everyday clothing, along with a variety of 19th-century handmade textiles that showcase the richness and diversity of the textile techniques in the area. One of the most interesting aspects of the museum is the collection of traditional costumes from various areas of the Dubrovnik region, including the Elafiti islands, Konavle, Mljet, Lastovo, Pelješac, Korčula, Rijeka Dubrovačka, and Župa Dubrovačka. These costumes not only represent local tailoring traditions, but also tell stories of cultural and social identity through the centuries. The museum’s temporary exhibitions provide further insights into traditional Croatian culture. For example, the exhibition “The Magic of Fabrics,” running until June 15, 2024, explores the materials, tools, and techniques of traditional fabric production, highlighting the importance of craftsmanship in daily life and festive celebrations. A visit to the Ethnographic Museum Rupe is enriched by the architecture of the granary itself. The stone structure, with its thick walls and deep silos, offers a unique atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. The museum’s windows also offer breathtaking views of the old town of Dubrovnik, creating a visual link between urban and rural history. An interesting anecdote concerns Jelka Miš, a major benefactor of the museum, who donated numerous examples of traditional costumes and lace, significantly enriching the museum’s collections. Her generosity has helped preserve an important part of Dubrovnik’s cultural heritage, making it possible to create exhibitions that illustrate the daily life and festive celebrations of local communities.