The National Museum of Montenegro held a Ceremonial Academy last night at the Government House in Cetinje to mark two important anniversaries – the 130th anniversary of its founding and the 100th anniversary of the restoration of its work.
“These anniversaries provide an opportunity to reflect on the rich cultural and state-building traditions of our country, while also recognizing the importance of an institution that has preserved the most valuable traces of our historical continuity for an entire century,” said the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, addressing the audience.
He also highlighted the significance of the National Museum’s extensive collections, which encompass Montenegro’s archaeological, historical, ethnographic, and artistic heritage.
“Through these collections, one can trace the layered history of this region, from the earliest traces of civilization to contemporary artistic creation. It is precisely thanks to these collections that the different layers of our identity can be understood as a unique cultural and historical whole,” said Milatović, adding that serving as the President of Montenegro is closely connected to the National Museum.
The President called on the Government of Montenegro to provide, without delay, all necessary funding and conditions for the completion of ongoing projects and the proper functioning of the National Museum.
“The state must demonstrate full responsibility in preserving its most important historic buildings. Our attitude toward these sites reflects our national dignity. The National Museum of Montenegro is not merely a guardian of objects, documents, and works of art. It is an institution upon which the awareness of who we are, where we come from, and what kind of future we wish to build is founded,” Milatović stated, emphasizing that the relationship toward the National Museum is not only a matter of cultural policy, but also an indicator of the state’s responsibility toward its own heritage.
“Our shared obligation is to preserve, develop, and enhance the National Museum, ensuring safeguarded and accessible collections, restored buildings, and conditions worthy of its importance. We owe this both to those who built Montenegro before us and to the generations yet to come,” he said.
The President congratulated the employees and management of the National Museum of Montenegro on this major anniversary, as well as all those who, as he emphasized, have contributed to making the Museum what it is today – one of the most important institutions of culture, history, and national memory in Montenegro.
President Milatović concluded his address with the words: “Long live Montenegrin culture, and may Montenegro be eternal.”
The Director of the National Museum, Jakša Ćalasan, stated that this anniversary bears witness to the long continuity of care for cultural heritage in Montenegro and to the awareness that a nation’s history, art, and spiritual values must be preserved, studied, and passed on to future generations. On these foundations, established at the end of the 19th century, an institution has developed which, over the course of a century, has become Montenegro’s most important cultural institution.
“Throughout its history, Montenegro has been recognized for its spirit of freedom, courage, and perseverance. At the same time, it has produced remarkable creators whose works represent enduring values of our culture. From the poetic and philosophical legacy of Njegoš, which shaped generations, to the work of Petar Lubarda, whose art became part of European and world heritage, stretches the rich cultural legacy that the National Museum preserves and presents,” Ćalasan said.
According to him, the National Museum of Montenegro remains committed to preserving, studying, and presenting the cultural heritage of the country in accordance with the highest professional standards.
“At the same time, we will continue to develop contemporary museological practices and new forms of communication with audiences in order to bring cultural heritage closer to all generations. Aware of the responsibility we carry, we will strive to remain a meeting place of the past and the present, a space for knowledge, dialogue, and creativity, as well as a reliable foundation for the development of our society,” concluded Jakša Ćalasan.
During the Ceremonial Academy, a fifteen-minute film about the National Museum, produced in cooperation with the production company Medialab, was presented. Through a contemporary and visually striking approach, the film tells the story of Montenegro’s cultural and historical heritage, identity, art, tradition, and history.
The musical programme featured pianist Jelena Vukmirović and violinist Ljubica Tomašević, while the dramatic segment was enriched by performances from actor Miloš Pejović and actress Jelena Laban.