Nikola Tesla Museum
Beograd
The Nikola Tesla Museum, located in Belgrade, Serbia, is a dedicated science museum honoring the life and legacy of Nikola Tesla, one of the greatest inventors in history. Housed in a villa built in 1927 by architect Dragiša Brašovan, the museum preserves over 160,000 original documents, more than 1,200 historical technical exhibits, and numerous photographs, plans, and personal items of Tesla. It serves as Tesla's final resting place and features a permanent exhibition arranged since 1955, combining memorial displays with interactive 3D models of his inventions. The museum also organizes thematic exhibitions highlighting different periods of Tesla's inventive life. The Nikola Tesla Archive was inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2003, recognizing its critical importance in the history of electrification and technological progress. The museum offers guided tours in Serbian and English, including demonstrations of Tesla’s inventions and a documentary film about his life. After a renovation completed in the late 2000s, the museum features modern facilities including a rooftop computer room. It remains a unique institution globally, attracting researchers and visitors interested in Tesla's profound contributions to science and technology.
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Tip: The best time to visit is during weekdays to avoid crowds, with extended opening hours from 10:00 to 20:00 Tuesday through Sunday. It is recommended to book guided tours in advance via the museum's official website for an enriched experience, including demonstrations of Tesla's inventions. Discounts may be available for groups, students, and children. The museum also offers specialized tours for children and educational programs. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and watch a documentary film about Tesla's life. Check the official website for the latest visiting rules and tour schedules.
Interesting facts
- •The museum holds over 160,000 original documents related to Nikola Tesla's life and work.
- •Tesla's personal items, including his urn, suit, and a wax figure, are displayed at the museum.
- •The Nikola Tesla Archive was inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2003.
- •The museum building was originally a villa built for Đorđe Genčić in 1927, designed by architect Dragiša Brašovan.
- •A copy of Tesla's induction motor and the 'Egg of Columbus' are among the technical exhibits.
- •The museum offers interactive 3D computer-generated models of Tesla's inventions.
- •Guided tours include demonstrations of Tesla's inventions and are available in Serbian and English.
History
The museum was founded on December 5, 1952, in a villa built between 1927 and 1929 for Đorđe Genčić, designed by architect Dragiša Brašovan.
After confiscation by communist authorities in 1945, the building was repurposed until the museum's establishment.
Key artifacts and Tesla's personal belongings were brought from New York City in 1951 by Tesla's nephew Sava Kosanović.
The permanent exhibition was arranged in 1955 and has seen some modifications since.
The museum's archive was inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2003.
In 2006, the museum underwent reconstruction, including the addition of a rooftop computer room, enhancing visitor experience.
Place Guide
Permanent Exhibition Rooms1955
The permanent exhibition consists of four rooms on the ground floor, featuring a memorial section dedicated to Tesla's life and a second interactive section showcasing 3D models of his inventions. Visitors can view original documents, technical apparatus, photographs, and personal artifacts, including Tesla's urn and suit.
Tesla's Archive Collection
The museum houses the largest collection of Tesla's original manuscripts, scientific papers, patent documents, photographs, and personal correspondence, totaling over 160,000 pages and 1,000 photographs. This archive is crucial for researchers studying the history of electrification and Tesla's impact on technology.
Museum Building and Architecture1927-1929
The museum is located in a villa built between 1927 and 1929 for Đorđe Genčić, designed by the notable Serbian architect Dragiša Brašovan. The building itself is a cultural monument and was repurposed as a museum in 1952. A renovation completed in the late 2000s added modern facilities, including a rooftop computer room enclosed by glass windows.
Contact
Phone: 011 2433886
