In a significant development for cultural heritage and architecture, Zaha Hadid Architects, in collaboration with Bureau Cube Partners, has been selected to design the Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade. The project will transform the historic Milan Vapa Paper Mill into a cultural destination that honors the legacy of the famed inventor and futurist, Nikola Tesla.
The Milan Vapa Paper Mill, which opened in 1924 as Serbia's first modern factory, has been preserved as a cultural monument following its abandonment a decade ago. The renovation aims to enhance the building's indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring that the architectural heritage of Belgrade is maintained while creating new public areas for residents and visitors.
The design, inspired by Tesla's research into magnetic fields and wireless energy transfer, features dynamic elliptical curves radiating from the factory's old chimney. A circular opening in the western façade will lead visitors into a triple-height central atrium, where first-floor galleries will showcase historical artifacts and interactive displays.
Among the museum's highlights will be a 12-million-volt transformer, symbolizing Tesla's pioneering contributions to technology. Additional amenities will include a café, multipurpose hall, and rooftop restaurants with panoramic views of the Sava River, all designed to reflect Tesla's concepts of electromagnetic fields through flowing pathways and gardens.
This renovation project not only celebrates Tesla's innovations but also aims to foster community engagement and accessibility, marking a progressive step for cultural architecture in Serbia.