Museum of the Macedonian Struggle (Muzej na Makedonskata Borba)
11 March, Skopje
Staged scenes of dark moments in North Macedonia’s history, arranged using realistic wax figures, fill the exhibits at the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle (Muzej na Makedonskata Borba) in Skopje. War, death, and torture are common themes of this museum’s exploration of the country’s past leading up to its independence.
Visitors to the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle can explore the museum independently or with a 1-hour guided tour in English. While there are displays explaining each room's theme and context, taking the guided tour offers specifics on the museum’s exhibits. Beyond learning about the country’s 19th- and 20th-century history, you can also see the building’s stained glass dome and collection of large paintings. Allow an hour or two to explore the museum thoroughly.
Entrance fees to the museum are different for North Macedonian citizens and foreign visitors.
Admission to the museum is free of charge on the first Saturday of each month.
Some of the scenes in the museum can be unsettling or grim and may not be suitable for children.
The modern museum is designed to be barrier-free for visitors using wheelchairs, with elevator access and wheelchairs available for loan.
Accessibility services such as audio guides and Braille descriptions are only available in Macedonian.
Photos are not permitted inside the museum.
The Museum of the Macedonian Struggle is on the northern side of the Vardar River, a short walk from Skopje’s Stone Bridge and Macedonia Square. The city center and Old Town are both within walking or cycling distance of the museum, and several bus routes go from the Karposh and Chair neighborhoods to the Goce Delchev Bridge stop.
The Museum of the Macedonian Struggle is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday–Sunday. The museum doesn’t get too busy, even in summer's high season; however, it's quietest over the weekend.
You can visit other history museums in Skopje to learn more about North Macedonia’s history or get context before visiting the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle. The Museum of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Archaeological Museum of the Republic of North Macedonia both explore the country's history, while the Museum of the City of Skopje is more focused on local historical events, including the 1963 Skopje earthquake.
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