Dubrovnik, renowned for its stunning locations and rich history, hides an unexpected gem—the Red History Museum. Offering a one-of-a-kind experience, this space provides an immersive journey into Croatia’s socialist past. 

A Museum Like No Other

Founded in 2019, the Red History Museum is the first and only of its kind in Croatia. It is located in the industrial zone of Gruž, inside the historic Carbon Graphite Products Factory – TUP, established in 1953 during the height of socialist industrialization. The authentic factory setting enhances the experience, while the museum’s exhibition takes visitors through key moments of 20th-century socialism—from the founding of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia in 1919 to the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Croatia’s independence in 1991.

As one of 26 museums in Dubrovnik, the Red History Museum quickly gained recognition, earning TripAdvisor’s Best Museum in Croatia award in 2019. Its innovative, interactive exhibits offer an in-depth look at life under socialism, divided into three key segments:

• Socialism in Theory – exploring the ideology and its promises.
• Socialism in Practice – showcasing both the successes and struggles of the system.
• Socialism in Memory – featuring personal stories and a tunnel of exhibits donated from across Croatia.

A Historic Backdrop for Unforgettable Corporate Experiences

With its intimate setting and engaging content, the Red History Museum provides a distinctive venue for group visits, corporate incentives, and team-building events. Group sizes are limited to 25 people, with guided tours available via microphones and headphones to ensure a seamless experience.

For an even deeper dive into history, personalized curator-led tours can be arranged in the morning hours (08:00 – 10:00). These exclusive tours, available by prior booking and for an additional fee, offer a rare opportunity to discuss the region’s complex past in a more interactive and thought-provoking way—ideal for corporate groups looking to inspire discussion and team connection.

The Red History Museum is more than just a museum; it’s a historical journey and an exceptional venue that blends education with engagement.

This article was originally published on - Dubrovnik Convention Bureau

There are few things more terrifying than facing a room full of university students at 8:30 in the morning. Perhaps being chased by a pack of hungry wolves - but even then, the wolves would at least look more engaged.

Yet last week, I found myself in precisely this situation, perched on the opening panel of a conference (or, more accurately, a careers education day), attempting to ignite some level of interest in the bleary-eyed youth before me.

The theme? “Cross-Cultural Management.”

A rather fitting topic for someone who has spent more time navigating the quirks and contradictions of Croatian and British culture than most of the audience had spent walking the Earth.

Did I feel old? No. More like experienced.

And, as Julius Caesar so wisely put it, “Experience is the teacher of all things.” Even if your students are barely conscious. So, how does one inspire a generation raised on TikTok attention spans and avocado toast? Should I keep it serious and insightful? Or should I embrace the sarcasm, which, let’s be honest, is far closer to my core values?

Predictably, I chose the latter.

After all, nobody remembers the guy who plays it safe. “My columns started over 15 years ago with the idea of exploring the cultural differences between London and Dubrovnik, between the UK and Croatia,” I began, noting that my career in cross-cultural commentary had been thriving before many of them had even mastered the alphabet.

“We are 90 percent the same, but my columns ‘lived in’ that 10 percent.” It’s true.

The British and the Croatians share much more than they like to admit. But the differences—ah, those are the fun bits. The small, inexplicable moments of contrast, like the British obsession with queueing versus the Croatian belief that a crowd equals a competition.

Then there’s punctuality—or the lack thereof. In the UK, arriving five minutes late comes with a flurry of apologies and a panicked explanation. In Croatia, arriving five minutes late is considered wildly ambitious.

Ten to fifteen minutes is more reasonable. And let’s not even talk about bureaucracy—while the British might grumble about paperwork, the Croatian system elevates it to an art form. Kafka would have been impressed. But rather than dwell on the 10 percent, I argued, we should celebrate the 90 percent.

A novel concept in today’s world, where highlighting differences is almost a competitive sport. It’s far too easy to focus on what separates us, to fall into the lazy narrative of “us versus them.”

But in reality, whether you’re from rainy London or sun-drenched Dubrovnik, people are, at their core, just people. We all complain about the weather, we all struggle with bureaucracy, and we all agree that Mondays are, universally, the worst. The students nodded along, some even managing to appear vaguely awake.

Encouraged, I pressed on.

“The trick is not just to survive cultural differences but to embrace them. If you want to work internationally, travel, or simply have a fighting chance at avoiding an existential crisis when you inevitably get stuck in a foreign post office queue for two hours, you need to learn to adapt.” “So, what’s the solution?” I continued, leaning forward conspiratorially, as if revealing some long-guarded secret.

“You see,” I concluded, “cultural differences are like a relationship.

If you spend all your time nitpicking over the tiny irritations, you’ll never see the bigger picture. You’ll miss the moments of connection, of shared experience. And those are the ones that matter.”

A few students even smiled—small victories.

Of course, whether my words resonated or merely acted as background noise to their caffeine withdrawal symptoms is another matter. But if even one student walked away from that hall thinking, “Maybe I should focus on what connects us, rather than what divides us,” then my job was done. And if they didn’t, well—at least I provided them with a warm-up act before their first coffee kicked in.

Read more Englishman in Dubrovnik…well, if you really want to

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About the author

Mark Thomas (aka Englez u Dubrovniku) is the editor of The Dubrovnik Times. He was born and educated in the UK and moved to live in Dubrovnik in 1998. He works across a whole range of media, from a daily radio show to TV and in print. Thomas is fluent in Croatian and this column is available in Croatia on the website – Dubrovnik Vjesnik

Croatian Minister of Tourism and Sports Tonči Glavina and Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) Director Kristjan Staničić have awarded contracts for projects aimed at developing tourism in underdeveloped and continental regions, as well as for joint tourist board initiatives in 2025.

A total of €7.3 million has been allocated based on HTZ’s decision and public calls, with €4.1 million going to 39 projects in less developed areas and continental Croatia, while €3.2 million was granted to 108 joint tourism projects.

Photo - HTZ

“These projects are essential for strengthening continental tourism. Since 2021, nearly 1,800 regional and local tourism projects have been funded with close to €40 million. The Croatian government remains committed to year-round and regionally balanced tourism, having allocated over €312 million from the state budget and EU funds for tourism infrastructure and products in continental regions since 2016,” Minister Glavina stated. He also highlighted that nearly €1 million has been awarded to support TOP events in 2025, further enriching Croatia’s tourism offerings.

Photo - HTZ

Additionally, contracts were awarded for marketing collaborations with event organizers, with €976,000 allocated to 30 events, including the ATP Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag, INmusic Festival #17, SEA STAR Festival, LMF Festival 2025, Sonus Festival, HIGHLANDER Velebit, Melodije Jadrana, DOBRO World Cup Osijek, and Porcijunkulovo 2025.

“These funds are aimed at enhancing tourism offerings, developing new products, and stimulating tourism growth in areas with high potential. The selected 147 projects and 30 event partnerships will ensure Croatia remains an attractive destination for travelers in the coming years,” concluded HTZ Director Staničić.

The average net monthly salary in Zagreb for December 2024 was €1,547, marking a 1.2% decrease from November but a 14.2% increase compared to December 2023.

The median net salary stood at €1,319, meaning half of Zagreb’s workforce earned below this amount, while the other half earned more.

According to the Zagreb City Office for Economy, the highest average salary was in the crude oil and natural gas extraction sector, reaching €2,939, while the lowest was in leather manufacturing and personal services, at €882.

Compared to the national average net salary for December (€1,361), Zagreb’s wages were €186 higher.

The gross average monthly salary in Zagreb for December 2024 was €2,195, reflecting a 2.4% decline from November but a 15.4% increase from December 2023.

Raising defense spending to 3% of GDP could accelerate economic growth by 0.6 percentage points, according to a report from the Croatian Employers’ Association (HUP).

The EU’s €800 billion plan to strengthen defense capabilities has brought renewed attention to military investments. In 2023, the Croatian defense industry revenues reached €401 million, with exports surging 2.5 times to around €300 million. Leading companies include HS Produkt (firearms), Šestan-Busch (ballistic helmets), and Dok-Ing (robotic demining). Other key players specialize in drones (Orqa), robotics (Probotika), and armored vehicles (Đuro Đaković).

HUP suggests forming an interdepartmental task force to support industry growth, advocating for increased public investment, streamlined regulations, and expanded funding via Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR) and an envisioned Defense Investment Fund. Enhanced collaboration with European defense firms, particularly in steel production and joint procurement, could further strengthen the sector.

The industry’s ability to secure new funding and government contracts will be crucial. Employers stress the importance of supporting SMEs through clearer procurement opportunities and prioritizing drone technology, given its rising strategic role in modern conflicts.

New fuel prices are coming into effect across on Tuesday. According to Dnevnik Nove TV, all types of fuel are expected to become significantly cheaper.

The price of a litre of Eurosuper 95 will decrease by 6 cents, bringing it to €1.43. The new price of Eurodiesel will be €1.39 per litre, which is 5 cents less than today. Blue Diesel will see the same price reduction, with a new price of 79 cents per litre starting Tuesday.

Dubrovnikplatz – Dubrovnik Square was officially inaugurated today in the sister city of Bad Homburg, attended by Dubrovnik’s Deputy Mayor Jelka Tepšić and Bad Homburg’s Mayor Alexander Hetjes. The ceremony was also attended by Nikola Dobroslavić, Prefect of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

With this gesture, Bad Homburg honors its friendship with Dubrovnik, which already has a park named after the German city.

"This friendship has lasted for over two decades, proving the strong bond between our two cities. We have always been proud to call you our friends, and we are delighted to solidify this friendship permanently with this square," said Mayor Hetjes.

On behalf of Dubrovnik’s Mayor Mato Franković, Deputy Mayor Tepšić expressed gratitude for the initiative.

"It is wonderful to see Dubrovnik’s name in a place filled with young people, in this new part of the city. I hope our friendship will continue for generations to come, strengthening our ties even further," said Tepšić.

Dubrovnikplatz is located near Accadis Hochschule Bad Homburg and Accadis International School Bad Homburg. This new city square symbolically connects the Croatian and German communities and strengthens the relationship between the two cities, which have been sister cities since 2002.

The partnership was originally initiated by the late Olga Stoss, an honorary citizen of Bad Homburg, whose legacy continues to unite the two communities.

Members of the Dubrovnik delegation, including Deputy Mayor Jelka Tepšić, Chairwoman of the City Council's International Cooperation Committee Katarina Doršner, Honorary Citizen of Bad Homburg and Mayor’s Advisor Nikola Pavlović, and Božo Burić representing the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, also visited Olga Stoss’s final resting place to lay flowers and light a candle in her honor.

Every year on March 8, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), a global occasion recognizing the achievements of women in all areas of life—social, economic, cultural, and political. It’s a day of both celebration and reflection, acknowledging how far we’ve come in the fight for gender equality while also highlighting the challenges that remain.

The origins of International Women’s Day date back to the early 20th century, with women’s rights movements pushing for better working conditions, voting rights, and equal pay. Over the decades, the movement has grown, with the United Nations officially recognizing IWD in 1977 and using it as a platform to advocate for women’s rights worldwide.

Each year, International Women’s Day carries a specific theme, addressing key issues such as gender parity, workplace inclusion, and women’s empowerment. While progress has been made, the fight continues—many women still face discrimination, wage gaps, and barriers to leadership roles.

On this day, events and campaigns take place globally, from marches and panel discussions to social media initiatives and corporate commitments to gender diversity. It’s a moment to celebrate the achievements of inspirational women while also renewing efforts to build a more inclusive and equal world.

How can you participate? Support women-owned businesses, amplify women’s voices, challenge gender biases, or simply take a moment to appreciate the incredible contributions of women in your life. Because true equality benefits everyone.