Matica Srpska

The oldest cultural-scientific and literal society „Matica Srpska” was founded in 1826 in Pest; in 1864 it moved to Novi Sad where it is located up to nowadays. Since 1928 the society is located in the building that has been built in 1912 for poor shelter, the money was given by famous Novi Sad philanthropist Marija Trandafil. The building is on the corner of Matica Srpska Street and Svetozar Markovića. As an independent institution Matica Srpska is acting since 1958. Its aim is to enlighten and share Serbian literature, this is why a magazine „Letopis Matice Srpske“ or literally „chronicles“ was launched – it is supposed to be the oldest literature magazine in the world.

Matica Srpska Exposition chronologically shows chosen works of total art funds containing about 5000 object of art that are important for national newer history and culture of Serbian nation in Vojvodina region from the end of 17th to the end of 20th century. All the objects that Matica Srpska received as gifts, bought from private collections or received from Serbian Orthodox Church for keeping, are preserved, researched and protected the best way possible. Matica Sprska created Vojvodina Museum and Organization for protection of cultural objects of Vojvodina. Library of Matica Srpska has the status of national institution and is supposed to be the oldest Serbian national library. It was founded at the same time as Matica Srpska and today has a collection of old and rare books. Since 1948 it has been receiving a copy of every printed book and so far has accumulated a collection of 4 million of publications on Serbian and 109 foreign languages.