The opening ceremony was led by the director of the Ethnographic Museum, Marko Krstić, who in his speech reminded the audience of the museum’s role in preserving cultural identity. “The Ethnographic Museum is not just a collection of old objects; it is the DNA of the Serbian people, a testimony to everyday life, skills, and values we have inherited. With the exhibition Ceramics: Mark we are opening a space for dialogue between the past and the present,” said Krstić.
He emphasized that the museum today is more than an exhibition space – it is a modern cultural center where tradition is brought closer to visitors through multimedia and interactive tools. “Alongside the classical display, the museum now offers a range of modern resources – from NFC technology and digital maps to the virtual assistant Srba, who helps visitors explore each exhibited item interactively. This is our way of making tradition alive and understandable, especially for younger generations,” added the director.
Krstić also announced several new initiatives in the museum’s work: the recently opened café Ornament, inspired by Serbian ornamentation; the organization of Ethnology Fest and the Ethnological Film Festival; as well as the long-awaited return of Serbian folk costumes to the museum showcases in 2026, in anticipation of the great jubilee – the 125th anniversary of the Ethnographic Museum.
Following the director’s address, exhibition author Jelena Tucaković thanked all who participated in the realization of the project. She explained that the exhibition is divided into two thematic units – the production and the use of ceramics – and that the displayed items mostly date from the second half of the 19th century to the second half of the 20th century. “Through 211 of the most representative objects of ethnological ceramics, we present material that preserves the traces of culture, skills, and lives of our ancestors. The Ethnographic Museum’s ceramic collection bears witness to the richness and diversity of Serbian culture, through objects that were created and endured in different times and circumstances. In addition, visitors have the opportunity not only to see the objects but also to learn more about the context in which they were created and used, through digital tools,” said Tucaković.
On behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Assistant Minister Danijela Vanušić addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of such exhibitions in preserving and promoting Serbia’s cultural heritage. “The Ethnographic Museum plays a key role in educating the public about the richness of our tradition, and programs that engage young researchers are of particular value,” said Vanušić.
During the ceremony, the Borivoje Drobnjaković Award for the best student paper in ethnology and anthropology was presented. The award went to Saša Ivković, for his research on the anterija, a traditional part of women’s attire from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The exhibition Ceramics: Mark remains open to the public, with an entrance fee of 600 dinars. Visitors will have the opportunity to view ceramics not only as artistic and historical objects but also as a living link to everyday life, tradition, and cultural identity.
