The Biljarda was built in 1838 with the financial help of Russia, based on the design of Russian architect Yakov Ozeretskovskii. Initially, it was known as the Nova kuća (New House) or the Dom (Home), but two years later, after the purchase of a billiard table, it was called the Biljarda.
The Biljarda originally served as the residence of Bishop Petar II Petrović Njegoš, and later of Prince Danilo and Prince Nikola.
In the following decades, it went on to house various state institutions, and it is regarded as the origin of Montenegro’s first museum, since Njegoš and his successors displayed trophy weapons and flags in its dedicated rooms. The building underwent several reconstructions, and in 1951 assumed its present form and function as a museum. The permanent exhibition is dedicated to Njegoš’s life and creative work, showcasing his personal belongings, artworks, as well as his library and manuscripts, the most prominent being the original manuscript of Gorski vijenac (The Mountain Wreath). The Biljarda museum also features the relief map of Montenegro and the lapidarium.
