Discover the Toplice National Museum
Founded in 1946, the Toplice National Museum preserves and showcases the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Toplica region. Its collections include artifacts from the National Liberation War, archaeological finds, ethnological items, and historical documents, reflecting the heritage of Prokuplje and surrounding municipalities.
The museum moved to its current central location in 1962, in one of the city’s oldest buildings, now a protected cultural monument. Over the years, it has expanded to include modern exhibition spaces, a two-story art gallery, and specialized departments for archaeology, history, ethnology, and art history.
Visitors can explore four permanent exhibitions:
- Archaeological Map of Toplice
- Toplica Uprising 1917
- Prokuplje in the 20th Century
- City Room
Additional highlights include the Boža Ilić Gallery, the Memorial Room “Iron Regiment in Serbia’s Liberation Wars 1912–1918”, and the Pločnik Archaeological Park.
The Toplice National Museum offers a unique journey through the region’s past, combining history, culture, and modern technology for an engaging visitor experience.
Boža Ilić Gallery
Opened in 1996, the Boža Ilić Gallery is located in the heart of Prokuplje, in the historic Maksimović House. Dedicated to visual arts, it primarily showcases works by academic artists and members of ULUS and ULUPUDS.
The gallery is named after Boža Ilić (1919–1993), one of Serbia’s most significant 20th-century painters. Despite losing his hearing at age thirteen, Ilić created a remarkable body of work, from monumental compositions to expressive smaller paintings that capture nature and everyday life. His masterpieces are preserved in the Toplice National Museum, other Serbian institutions, and private collections worldwide.
Visitors can explore his artistic legacy and experience the vibrant spirit of Serbian modern art in this central cultural venue.
Memorial Room “Iron Regiment 1912–1918”
Opened in 2021, the Memorial Room and Park honor the heroes of the Iron Regiment, who bravely fought in the Balkan Wars and World War I. Located on the site from which the Toplica heroes marched to war on October 7, 1912, the park features a bullet-shaped monument, busts of notable heroes, and 255 pillars listing Karađorđe Star recipients.
Inside the Memorial Room, visitors can explore photographs, documents, awards, and artifacts that tell the story of the regiment’s courage and sacrifices. A striking mural by Miroslav Lazović and Biljana Velinović celebrates the bravery of these “iron” heroes, making the space a lasting tribute to their legacy.
Pločnik Archaeological Park
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