The exhibition “A Century and a Half of Humanity”, organized by the National Museum of Montenegro in cooperation with the Red Cross of Montenegro to mark the 150th anniversary of its founding, was opened last night at the Montenegrin Gallery of Arts “Miodrag Dado Đurić” in Cetinje.

Founded in 1875, the Red Cross of Montenegro has, throughout a century and a half of existence, been a pillar of support to the community in its most difficult times – wars, natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics, and social crises. The exhibition testifies to the continuous mission of assistance, solidarity, and the protection of human dignity. Through the exhibits, visitors can learn more about the development of the Red Cross, its activities during different periods and crises, the dedication of its volunteers, and the universal values on which its work is based: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

The Director of the National Museum of Montenegro, Jakša Ćalasan, emphasized that the exhibition is not only a display of historical documents, photographs, and objects, but also a testimony to the deeply rooted culture of humanity in Montenegrin society:

“As the National Museum of Montenegro, we are guardians of the cultural and historical memory of our people. That is why we feel a special responsibility and honor to, on this jubilee, express our gratitude to the Red Cross, which for 150 years has been writing one of the brightest pages of our history. In today’s world, with its many and complex challenges – from global crises to daily personal tragedies – it is our pleasure, through this cooperation, to remind people that man can and must be a support to man,” said Ćalasan.

The exhibition’s curator, historian Vukan Ražnatović, explained that the exhibition is not primarily focused on displaying objects as material witnesses of the Red Cross’s work, but is more of a documentary character:

“At the core of the Red Cross is giving to others. Except for its symbol, the Red Cross does not cultivate the preservation of material objects. However, its activities are far from unknown or unrecorded. From its beginnings as support to the people of Herzegovina to the present day, we find testimonies of its work at every step,” Ražnatović said.

He noted that the socialist period differentiated the activities of the Red Cross, highlighting the beginnings of voluntary blood donation, first-aid competitions, and stronger cooperation in alleviating the consequences of disasters, especially in Yugoslavia during the 1960s. He particularly emphasized the organization’s crucial role during the 1979 earthquake in Montenegro.

The Secretary General of the Red Cross of Montenegro, Jelena Dubak, said that the exhibition is not only a look back, but also a testimony to the strength of an idea that has lasted for 150 years in Montenegro – the idea of humanity, solidarity, and support for those who need it most:

“This year, the Red Cross of Montenegro marks a century and a half of existence, which places us among the rare organizations that have stood by their people in times of war, peace, floods, droughts, pandemics, and all other challenges imposed by time,” emphasized Dubak.

The exhibition, curated by historians Vukan Ražnatović and Filip Kuzman, will remain open until October 2025.