MUSEUM OF THE SERBIAN REPUBLIC

This museum (Muzej Republike Srpske/Музеј Републике Српске) is primarily devoted to the history of the Serbs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Housed since 1982 in the massive building of the former Workers' House, it was founded in 1930 by King Alexander I of Yugoslavia and changed its name several times until it took its current form in 1992. Now gradually restored, it houses collections of archaeology, history, ethnology, art history and natural history. The history part is instructive and not too partisan (the last war is not treated). Of particular note are beautiful jewels from the Roman era, magnificent Ottoman weapons and musical instruments from the 19th century. Outside, an Austro-Hungarian locomotive, a tank and artillery pieces of the army of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1930s) and the skeleton of a German glider from the Second World War are on display. In the same building are the local branch of the French Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Francuski Institut) and the Children's Theater (Dječije Pozorište). Founded in 1955, the latter specializes in puppet shows and since 2002 has organized the International Children's Theater Festival at the end of May (information: www.djecijepozoristers.rs.ba). Finally, on the small square next door stands since 2014 a very mediocre statue of King Stefan Nemanja, founder of the prestigious Serbian dynasty of Nemanjić (1166-1371).