The paper deals with the concept of an open-air museum on the example of the Donja Kupčina Ethnographic Museum. The first part of the paper explains the concept of an open-air museum, similarities and differences from other types of museums and why it is considered a special type of museum in the first place. It also introduces the question of the difference between open-air museums and eco-museums and discusses how open-air museums today can respond to the challenges of modern times. The paper will show how open-air museums are legally regulated in the Republic of Croatia. The second part of the paper focuses on the example of the Donja Kupčina Ethnographic Museum. Basic information will be presented about when it was created (whether it was created under the initiative of the local community or experts that is, the state), what the museum as such represents and how it presents itself with special reference to the permanent exhibition, activities and projects in the local community. The paper will touch on the problem of lack of professional staff, protection, relations with the local community, explores how the museum attracts visitors through events and cooperation with local associations.