Museum of African Art

This distinguishes it from other European collections of African Art. Its artifacts were not acquired through colonization, plunder, or exploitation but were instead received as gifts from African nations.

• Name — Museum of African Art • Native Name — Muzej Afričke Umetnosti - Zbirka Vede i dr Zdravka Pečara • Location — Senjak, Belgrade, Serbia • Type — Art museum • Collection Size — 1,700 • Founder — Zdravko Pečar and Veda Pečar • Director — Marija Aleksić • Public Transit — Bus route 44 and 34 (Vasa Pelagić Station)

The museum was established by Veda Zagorac and Zdravko Pečar, a former Yugoslav ambassador to Ghana and Mali, who donated the collection they had assembled during their time in Africa. The collection was bequeathed to the City of Belgrade in 1974, and the museum officially opened in 1977. It was established during a period of strong Yugoslav engagement with the Non-Aligned Movement, which promoted neutrality and cooperation among countries during the Cold War. It reflects cultural connections between Yugoslavia and African nations. Today, the museum continues to promote the study and appreciation of African Art and culture in Southeast Europe. The collection initially originated from the private collection of Croatian diplomats from neighboring countries who shared the same linguistic and historical ties. These diplomats served in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia which existed from 1945 to 1992, contributing to the country's economic, political and international relations. Since its establishment, the museum has continually expanded its collection and, as of 2006, contains approximately 1,700 pieces.

The institution identifies as an anti-colonial institution, meaning it opposes the control of one land by another and exploitation of resources. This allows it to distinguish itself from many other European collections of African Art. Its artifacts were not acquired through colonization, plunder, or exploitation but were instead received as gifts from African nations, reflecting Yugoslavia’s diplomatic relationships and cultural cooperation with its African allies. This approach sets the collection apart from many other European holdings of African Art.

The museum of African Art is important because it promotes the study of African cultures while providing diversity and preserving objects of historical and spiritual significance. This contributes to education, research, and intercultural understanding.

• Illustration — Interior • Illustration — Interior • Illustration — Permanent exhibition (1977)