Following an anonymous design competition for the new Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade, Serbia, the jury selected the designs submitted by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and Bureau Cube Partners of Serbia.
The new Nikola Tesla Museum will transform Belgrade’s historic Milan Vapa Paper Mill into a cultural destination that celebrates Tesla’s legacy while preserving the city’s architectural heritage and creating public spaces. Built in 1924, the paper mill was the nation’s first modern factory and has been protected for its cultural importance. Its renovation is funded by Belgrade Waterfront.
Gallery: New Nikola Tesla Museum in Serbia
The adaptive reuse of the 1920s structure will maintain its industrial heritage while upgrading its indoor and outdoor spaces. The museum’s design, inspired by Tesla’s research into magnetic fields and wireless energy transfer, features dynamic elliptical curves radiating from the old factory chimney.
A new circular opening in the factory’s western facade will serve as the public entrance, leading visitors to a triple-height central atrium anchored by the historic chimney. Ellipsoidal sectional openings within the walls will enhance circulation and functionality, creating an extended perspective from the western entrance to the Tesla memorial at the eastern end.
The museum will include historical artifacts, interactive displays, and immersive presentations. Temporary galleries will host changing exhibitions and events. The Tesla Electronic Transformer Gallery, featuring a 12-million-volt transformer, will showcase Tesla’s pioneering spirit. Visitor amenities include a café, a multipurpose hall, and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the Sava River.
Outside the building, Nikola Tesla Square will provide a new public space inspired by Tesla’s concepts of electromagnetic fields. The square’s pathways, gardens, and plazas will enhance accessibility and connect with Belgrade Waterfront and the city’s transportation network.
The restoration will minimize ecological impact through passive design and the use of renewable and geothermal energy, preserving the historic facades, vaulted ceilings, and masonry while updating the structure to serve as a leading cultural destination.