Museum of Betina Wooden Shipbuilding

The Museum of Betina Wooden Shipbuilding is located in a protected cultural and historical area in the heart of Betina, in a building that inherently holds cultural and historical significance. The museum building today combines elements of modern and traditional architecture. Simultaneously, the modern exhibition setup is situated within the habitat of a stone architectural complex consisting of two buildings connected by an internal old terrace paved with bricks, as was the practice in the 19th century. The most valuable part of the complex is the old “slar” or “balatura,” constructed of stone and stone steps with rough surfaces, representing a typical Dalmatian “balatura” from the Baroque period to the early 20th century.

The exterior ambiance of the building is accentuated by the triangular gable of the facade adorned with a swallow, a common feature on the facades of houses in old rural settlements throughout the 19th century. The Betina Shipbuilding Museum is an example of successful contemporary revitalization, as the integration of new functions injects new life into the preserved complex of rural architecture.

The museum collection comprises 406 objects related to shipbuilding, fishing, agriculture, and daily life. Covering an area of 250 m², it includes five exhibition rooms and a two-story gallery with installations of maritime equipment. In addition to presenting highly valuable shipbuilding knowledge, tools, and ethnographic artifacts providing context for the former life in which the wooden boats of Betina shipbuilding originated, the museum offers a unique cultural complement during tourist visits to Betina and the island of Murter.

In the southeastern part of the building, scenes from daily life are presented, inevitably incorporating a boat – wedding customs, journeys to overseas properties, fishing, and agriculture. Following the ethnological thread, the exhibition on the second floor of the northeastern part of the building continues the previously started narrative and showcases tools used for fishing. Through multimedia simulations of paths resulting from the life needs of Betina and Murter residents in different seasons, visitors gain insight into the roles carried by boats constructed in local shipyards.

The northwestern part of the building is dedicated to shipbuilding skills. The first-floor room is a modern shipbuilding workshop with tools for rough and fine wood processing. The floor above reveals the secrets of the craft of wooden shipbuilding. A multimedia screen is integrated into the original shipbuilder’s work table, allowing visitors to assemble their own boat.

Between the two wings on the ground floor of the courtyard, there is a sacred moment in the form of a votive chapel dedicated to the patron saint of woodworkers, St. Joseph. Following this, there is a children’s corner with touchscreen technology where the technique of assembling a boat is conveyed in a simpler and playful manner. On the half-floor of the courtyard, there is an installation of masts and sails with original sails that can be raised and lowered as needed. On the southwestern surface of the external courtyard wall, there is a place for complete maritime equipment.

Opening Hours

From June 1 to September 30:
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Closed on Mondays, holidays, and state holidays.
From October 1 to May 31:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Closed on holidays and state holidays.
Ticket Prices
Adults: 25 HRK
Children up to 8 years: free
Students, seniors: 15 HRK
Group discount (minimum 10 people): 20%
Audio Guide
Croatian, English, German, and Italian
Price for one-time use of the audio guide – free
Guided Tours
Price (per group): 100 HRK (with advance notice)
Preschool children and students: free

Museum of Betina Wooden Shipbuilding Website

Map