Gallery of the Natural History Museum, Belgrade

The Natural History Museum in Belgrade is a distinguished institution with a long history, being the only museum of its kind in the country. Officially founded in 1895, it was initially known as the Natural History Museum of Serbian Land. Despite not having a permanent exhibition space or its building, the museum is renowned for its extensive and diverse collections, as well as its significant contributions to museology and science in Southeastern Europe.

The museum traces its origins to early 19th-century Serbia, housed initially in the Natural History Cabinet of the Great Lyceum. Josif Pančić, a renowned botanist and the first president of the Serbian Royal Academy is credited with its foundation. Alongside his students and colleagues, Pančić collected and studied various specimens, leading to the discovery of numerous plant species. The museum's inaugural exhibition took place in Belgrade in 1904, attended by King Peter I and officials, gaining international recognition at the Paris World Exhibition the same year. Petar Pavlović, an academician and geologist, served as its first manager.

In 1972, the Natural History Museum merged with the Museum of Forestry and Hunting, incorporating collections of hunting trophies and weapons. Today, the museum is divided into four sectors: geology (including mineralogy, petrology, and paleontology), biology (covering botany, zoology, and mycology), education and public relations, and joint services.

Declared a cultural institution of national importance, the museum operates primarily through its Gallery at Kalemegdan, where it hosts various exhibitions, educational workshops, promotions, and conferences. The museum's educational services collaborate with schools and nurseries across Serbia, providing activities tailored to children of all ages. Despite its challenges, the Natural History Museum in Belgrade remains a vital cultural and scientific institution in the region.