The initiative to establish this art gallery began in the mid-1960s. Driven by a deep attachment to their native Krushevo and a desire to honor the doyen of Macedonian contemporary art, a group of prominent citizens initiated the process to preserve the work of their fellow townsman.

On July 15, 1966, the Municipality of Krushevo officially formed an initiative board composed of distinguished intellectuals and citizens, including the artist Nikola Martinoski himself, Dr. Sterja Bozdov, Prof. Vasil Iljoski, and many others.

An Architectural Gem and Historical Ambience

The gallery is housed in one of the most emblematic traditional houses in the heart of Krushevo. The building, formerly owned by the Tahu family (Janku Tashe), is a masterpiece of the Mijak builders from the mid-19th century. With its ground floor and two upper stories, the house has been authentically adapted to house artistic treasures within a space that is itself a cultural monument.

The Martinoski Art Collection

The gallery’s grand opening took place on August 1, 1968, marking the 65th anniversary of the Ilinden Uprising. Today, the collection comprises 61 works created using various techniques:

• Oil on canvas, cardboard, and glass;
• Tempera, pencil drawings, and chalk;
• Graphics (linocut and woodcut).

The exhibition follows Martinoski’s creative journey—from his student days in Bucharest and Paris, influenced by Expressionism and Cubism, through the social motifs of the pre-war period, to the works created in the year the gallery opened. This chronological continuity makes the Krushevo collection unique in the world.

Ethnological Exhibition: The Spirit of the Past

In addition to the artworks, the gallery offers a journey through time with the ethnological exhibit “19th Century Krushevo Room.” Through the reconstruction of a guest room and a traditional Mijak room, visitors can experience the authentic way of life in Krushevo from the late 18th to the mid-20th century.

Visit Us!

We invite you to experience Krushevo through the eyes of one of its greatest sons. Walk through the hallways of this historic house, feel the emotion in Martinoski’s drawings, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of a traditional Krushevo chamber.

The Nikola Martinoski Gallery is more than just a museum – it is the soul of the city poured into color and stone. We look forward to seeing you!