Jovan Sterija Popović
Writer, playwright and educational reformer
A native of Vršac whose writing and work in education helped shape modern Serbian culture.
He was born and died in Vršac. His name and work remain part of the town’s cultural identity.
Life and work
Jovan Sterija Popović is a central figure in Serbian drama. Trained in law, he worked as a lawyer and professor before devoting himself to education and cultural institutions in Serbia. He also helped establish the Society of Serbian Letters.
His contribution extended beyond the theatre. In 1844 he issued the act establishing the National Museum in Belgrade, bringing together literature, education and the preservation of cultural heritage.
In Vršac, his birthplace and the theatre bearing his name offer a starting point for exploring the connection between the writer and his hometown.
What we remember them for
- A major figure in Serbian drama.
- Helped build important cultural institutions.
- Founded the National Museum by an official act in 1844.
Places connected with this story
Sources and further reading
Sources checked: 24.10.2026.
