On April 16th 2021 the Law on Museum Activities (hereinafter: “Law”), which defines rights and obligations of museums as well as their founders, came into force. This Law regulates the system of protection and usage of museum material, keeping museum documentation, conditions and manner of performing museum activities and its structure, organization, competence, as well as museum activities in the Republic of Serbia and other issues of importance for performing museum activities.
The activity of protection of museum material and intangible cultural heritage is of general interest for the Republic of Serbia.
The Law states, among other things, that the museum can be founded by the Republic of Serbia, an autonomous province, a unit of local self-government, was well as other legal entities, natural persons and entrepreneurs.
In addition, The National Museum in Belgrade changed its name to the National Museum of Serbia and it became the central institution for the protection of museum material.
The Law provides the establishment of the Council for Museums of the Republic of Serbia, which is established at the central institution as an expert-advisory body for performing activities of interest for the development and improvement of museum activities in accordance with the law.
This Law applies after the expiration of six months from the date of its entry into force, i.e. from October 17th, 2021.