The Dubrovnik Museums will launch a series of free expert-guided tours and lectures titled "Fridays at Five" on Friday, February 21, 2025. The first lecture and guided tour of the exhibition "Togas, Damask, and Power – Historical Textiles and Official Attire of the Dubrovnik Republic" will be led by curator Viktorija Žuvela at 5:00 PM in the Rector’s Palace.

The Dubrovnik Republic placed great importance on visual symbols, particularly reflected in the official attire of its highest-ranking officials. In this aristocratic republic, clothing had to align with the community’s values and behavioral norms of each social class, while official robes played a crucial role in collective identity. The style and decorative elements of fabrics were meant to clearly signal political function and rank within the well-structured state system. A Dubrovnik patrician, draped in a toga with clear connections to ancient heritage, identified himself as a direct successor of the city's founders. The specific style of these togas, inspired by ancient prototypes, symbolized integrity and political effectiveness.

During the lecture, exhibition author and curator Viktorija Žuvela will explore the styles and influences behind ceremonial and official clothing, the toga as the defining element of aristocracy, the unique design and cut of the Rector’s toga, the materials used, and the workshops responsible for their production.

A wealth of fascinating information about the Rector’s toga can also be found in the publication "Togas, Damask, and Power – Historical Textiles and Official Attire of the Dubrovnik Republic", which will be available for purchase at a special discounted price in the Rector’s Palace following the lecture and guided tour.