March is an ideal time to visit Dubrovnik, as the city enjoys pleasant weather and fewer tourists, allowing for a more intimate exploration of its rich cultural heritage. The Dubrovnik Museums and Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik are showcasing four exceptional exhibitions, each running until the end of March 2025, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the city's storied past.
1. In Honour of the Glorious Defender: St. Blaise and UNESCO
Hosted at the Cultural History Museum, this exhibition delves into the enduring veneration of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik's patron saint. It traces the Republic's efforts from 1687 to 1712 to establish dedicated liturgical texts honouring St. Blaise, highlighting seven pivotal steps in this historical journey. Visitors will gain insight into the city's spiritual heritage and its recognition by UNESCO.
2. Togas, Damask, and Power: Historical Textiles and Official Attire of the Dubrovnik Republic
Running at the Rector's Palace, this exhibition presents a meticulously restored collection of official and ceremonial garments from the Dubrovnik Republic. These rare textiles, primarily silk damasks crafted in Italian workshops between the late 16th and 18th centuries, offer a window into the sartorial elegance and authority of the Republic's aristocracy. The exhibition also explores the intricate weaving techniques and the evolution of fabric patterns over the centuries.
Togas, Damask, and Power: Historical Textiles and Official Attire of the Dubrovnik Republic, DUMUS Archives
3. A Glimpse Through the Portrait of Marija Ghetaldi-Gondola
Rector's Palace also features an exhibition centred around the 1812 portrait of Marija Ghetaldi-Gondola by Carmelo Reggio. During conservation efforts in 2023, experts discovered an earlier painting beneath the visible layers—a portrait of Frana Gondola née Bona. This revelation uncovers a fascinating narrative about two women and their familial ties, offering visitors a captivating journey into art restoration and historical intrigue.
4. Vlaho Bukovac and the Portraits of Dubrovnik Families
Vlaho Bukovac was one of the most significant Croatian painters and a pioneer of Croatian modernism, best known for his incredible portraits. The exhibition focuses on the stylistic placement of selected family portraits within Bukovac's body of portrait work as it explores the context of the commissions and the cultural and artistic climate of that time in Dubrovnik. It features numerous portraits from his private collection, with a focus on portraits of families with whom Bukovac had personal or friendly connections. The display is part of the Dubrovnik Winter Festival program and will remain open until March 30, 2025
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