Ethnographic Museum (Rupe)

The Ethnographic Museum is housed in the Rupe granary at Od Rupa 3, in the upper part of Dubrovnik's Old City in Croatia. The building was constructed in the 16th century as a state granary of the Republic of Ragusa, with large pits (the rupe, meaning holes) cut into the rock where grain was stored in cool, dry conditions, and the structure could hold many hundreds of tonnes of grain, an important reserve against siege and shortage. The museum, part of the Dubrovnik Museums, was established in 1940 and displays the rural traditions of Dubrovnik and its hinterland. The collection includes folk costumes with embroidery, jewellery, textiles, weaving looms, farming and fishing tools, household objects and models of traditional houses, along with photographs and examples of crafts such as lace and silverwork. The display is thematic, arranged by daily life, work and festivals, and is mostly traditional in style with glass cases and wall panels. The rock-cut grain pits in the ground floor are among the oldest preserved features and can be seen from walkways. The building has been maintained and restored, and it is in sound condition, although the stone interior is simple. Visitors find a calmer experience than in the main sites, away from the Stradun crowds. The museum is included in the 10 Museums ticket.