Zaha Hadid Architects to Transform Belgrade Mill into Tesla Museum

Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), in collaboration with Serbian Bureau Cube Partners (BCP), is set to transform Belgrade’s historic Milan Vapa Paper Mill into the new Nikola Tesla Museum. This project was chosen through an anonymous design competition. The aim is to honor the visionary inventor Nikola Tesla.

The renovation will preserve the building’s historical elements while incorporating modern design inspired by Tesla’s pioneering research. This will make it a cultural hub that connects past, present, and future.

Preserving Historical Significance

The Milan Vapa Paper Mill, built in 1924 as Serbia’s first modern factory, holds significant cultural value. Protected by the Belgrade Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments, the mill’s original facades, vaulted ceilings, and masonry will be meticulously preserved. This preservation effort underscores the importance of maintaining historical integrity while adapting the structure for contemporary use.

Architectural Vision

The design by Zaha Hadid Architects and Bureau Cube Partners draws inspiration from Tesla’s research on magnetic fields and wireless energy transfer. Dynamic elliptical curves radiate from the original factory chimney, symbolizing connectivity and energy. These forms not only pay homage to Tesla’s work but also enhance the industrial heritage of the structure.

Innovative Museum Design

The new Nikola Tesla Museum will span 13,400 square meters, funded by Belgrade Waterfront. The design features a new circular entrance on the western facade, leading visitors into a triple-height central atrium.

This atrium serves as the heart of the museum, guiding visitors through the narrative of Tesla’s life and work.

Interactive Exhibits

The first-floor galleries will showcase Tesla’s inventions and legacy through historical artifacts, interactive displays, and immersive presentations. Temporary galleries will host rotating exhibitions, ensuring a fresh experience for returning visitors.

A highlight of the museum will be the Tesla Electronic Transformer Gallery. It will feature a 12-million-volt transformer that offers an electrifying experience for audiences.

Amenities and Sustainability

In addition to the exhibits, the museum will include several amenities designed to enhance the visitor experience:

• Café – A relaxing spot for visitors to unwind.
• Multipurpose Hall – A versatile space for events and gatherings.
• Rooftop Restaurant – Offering panoramic views of the Sava River.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the project. Passive design strategies, renewable energy, and geothermal systems will be employed to minimize the museum’s ecological footprint. These efforts reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility, aligning with Tesla’s forward-thinking ethos.

Extending Beyond Museum Walls

The project will also introduce Nikola Tesla Square, a public space designed to connect the museum with the surrounding Belgrade Waterfront. Inspired by Tesla’s concepts of electromagnetic fields, the square will feature flowing pathways, plazas, and gardens.

This design not only enhances accessibility but also fosters community engagement, creating a vibrant public space for all to enjoy.

Project Team and Collaborators

The success of this ambitious project relies on the expertise of a diverse team of professionals. The ZHA project is directed by Manuela Gatto, with a team that includes Besan Abudayah, Thomas Bagnoli, Armando Bussey, Alicia Hidalgo, Panos Ioakim, Jung Yeon Kwak, Catherine McCann, Yevgeniya Pozigun, Houzhe Xu, and Zixin Ye.

The smart museum design is led by Uli Blum and Danial Haziq, while the sustainability team includes Bahaa Alnassrallah, Aditya Ambare, Carlos Bausa Martinez, Abhilash Menon, Disha Shetty, and Jing Xu.

The BCP project is directed by Milan Rašković, supported by a team comprising Danijela Bakic, Milos Bojinovic, Nadica Davidovic, Ana Maria Gaspar, Milena Ivanovic, Milena Kalinic, Sasa Kostic, Sanja Kostic, Bojana Maksimovic, Zora Pajcin, Aleksanda Stevanovic, Ana Suman, Nikola Umicevic, Sara Vasic, and Stefan Jovanovic.

The structural engineering for new additions is handled by Lanik I. S.A, with restoration efforts by DB Engineering d.o.o. MEP engineering is provided by Conventus Consultants d.o.o, and lighting design by Lichtvision Design Ltd. Visualizations are courtesy of Xuniverse, Norviska, and 3D Point d.o.o.

Conclusion

The transformation of the Milan Vapa Paper Mill into the Nikola Tesla Museum is a testament to the power of innovative design and historical preservation. By honoring Tesla’s legacy and integrating cutting-edge technology, the museum will serve as a cultural landmark for Belgrade and a beacon of inspiration for future generations.

This project not only revitalizes a historic structure but also creates a dynamic space for education, engagement, and community connection.

For more information on this exciting project, visit the official announcement.