The possibilities provided by the vicinity of Fruška Gora and the Danube, on the one hand, and city museums, theatres and other cultural-educational institutions and organisations, on the other, are valuable. Therefore, enjoy in them, since “natural and social“ are at the same place in Novi Sad.
Written by: Dragan Gmizić
When my daughter was four or five years old we enjoyed going to performances for children. While she was watching the curtain being lifted I was watching her. I will remember forever those curious eyes in which the joy and expectations are intertwined. Her soft smile that reveals child’s capacity to wander far away together with the actors. And the moment when I catch that look and recognize the invitation in it – Come on, what are you waiting for? Join us on our journey! As a parent I can confirm that Novi Sad is a family city. No, it is not a phrase. Youth Theatre is only one of many places where you can spend unforgettable moments with your family. As a historian by profession and media worker by knowledge I am one of those parents who prefer social-cultural events. I prefer going to theatre and cinema rather than going to the woods. I am that kind of person. BUT… The possibilities provided by the vicinity of Fruška Gora and the Danube on the one hand, and city museums, theatres and other cultural-educational institutions and organisations, on the other, are valuable. Therefore, enjoy in them since “natural and social“ are at the same place in Novi Sad.
Did you know that people have been living for more than 8000 years in these territories? Naturally, plants and animals came there many years before us after all. Therefore, let us start with the museums. The Museum of Vojvodina keeps a rich and, for a moment, almost incredible cultural-historical heritage while the Natural History Museum (of the Institute for Nature Conservation of Vojvodina Province) keeps the biological and geological diversity of this part of the Pannonian valley.
Zmaj’s Games for Children are certainly one of the events that Novi Sad is most proud of. Being established more than seven decades ago, every June, Zmaj’s Games for Children gather children and parents, but also the parents of their parents, all in the honour of literature for children. Do not miss this event.
Children’s Cultural Centre with its diverse programme is the place where all family members are educated and having fun. Make sure to visit the Novi Sad Children’s Summer, and attend the programmes of the event called Raspustilište – winter and summer one.
My child attends the fine art workshop organised by the Novi Sad Children’s Cultural Centre. In addition to fine art it also organises drama, music or contemporary circus workshops. We enjoy in their programme.
For small and big art fans the Gallery of Matica Srpska is one of the oldest institutions of that kind in Serbia with exceptionally valuable collection made up of works of art created in the period from the 16th to 19th century. As they say in the Gallery – the museum offers to a child a unique experience of learning and affects positively the development of creative thinking. I absolutely agree.
Established as the Puppet Theatre many decades ago, the Youth Theatre managed to preserve its Children’s Stage until today. Going to the theatre followed by a walk at Fruška Gora or in some of the Novi Sad parks such as (the nearest to the Youth Theatre) – Dunavski (Danube) or, somewhat more distant, Liman and recently excellently renovated Kamenica Park, have always been ideal combinations of active weekend relaxation for us. While others are walking, barbecuing, chasing after a ball, riding a bicycle, skate or rollers, or simply enjoy in “bird watching“ I am one of those parents who do not miss the opportunity to say something to their child about the place they are at. About the World War II, for example. And while I talk about the past I catch her look wandering along the meadow around the “Freedom“ monument. Imagination and reality have merged. Really, what am I waiting for? I will join her.
