Nikola Tesla Museum

The Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade, Serbia, is a fascinating spot for anyone curious about science, technology, and the life of the brilliant inventor Nikola Tesla. It’s a small museum, but it packs a punch with its engaging and educational exhibits.

History

The museum opened its doors in 1952 and is home to the original archive of Nikola Tesla, featuring over 1,200 registered items. The collection includes technical objects, personal belongings, clothing, and awards given to Tesla. The personal archive, stored in 548 boxes, contains nearly 164,000 documents, manuscripts, scientific notes, calculations, diagrams, drawings, and letters. This incredible collection was recognized by UNESCO in 2003 as part of the “”Memory of the World”” Register, ensuring its protection as a cultural treasure.

How to Get There

You’ll find the Nikola Tesla Museum in the Vračar neighborhood of Belgrade, specifically at 51 Krunska Street. It’s easy to reach by car, public transport, or even bicycle. The nearest public transport stops are Slavija square (Trg Slavija) and Pravni fakultet (bul. Kralja Aleksandra). If you’re driving, there are nearby parking options like Car Park Slavija and Car Park ViÅ¡ka (Kalenić market), with street parking available for a fee.

List of Attractions

1. Guided Tours: The museum offers guided tours every hour, lasting about 45 minutes. These tours are available in both Serbian and English, sharing fascinating stories about Tesla and showcasing working models of his inventions.
2. Interactive Exhibits: Visitors can engage with interactive exhibits, including electricity experiments and Tesla Coil demonstrations. For those feeling adventurous, there’s even a chance to experience an electric shock or participate in a “”Jedi-style”” light bulb duel.
3. Video Overview: The tour kicks off with a 15-minute video overview of Tesla’s life, highlighting his inventions and the ups and downs he faced, including his famous rivalry with Thomas Edison.
4. 3D Computer-Generated Models: The tour also features 3D computer-generated models of Tesla’s inventions, providing a detailed look at how his creations functioned.
5. Gift Shop: After the tour, visitors can explore the gift shop for Tesla-themed souvenirs like t-shirts, tote bags, and books. Most books are in Serbian, but there’s a small selection in English.

Ticket Information

– Single Ticket: A single ticket costs 500 RSD (around €4 or $5 US). Kids under seven get in for free.
– Group Discounts: Groups of 10 or more can get discounted tickets at 300 RSD (€2.50 or $3 US) if booked in advance.
– Payment Method: The museum only accepts cash in the local currency, so no foreign currency or electronic payments are allowed.

Tips for Visiting

1. Guided Tour: Definitely join a guided tour. It’s included in the ticket price and offers a fun and informative experience. The interactive parts are especially enjoyable.
2. Arrival Time: Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour starts to check in and get settled.
3. Language: While most tours are in Serbian, there are two English tours each day. It’s a good idea to contact the museum for the exact times.
4. Photography: Feel free to take photos and videos inside, but note that recording video is restricted at the start of the tour.
5. Wi-Fi: The museum provides Wi-Fi, which is handy for European visitors who might not have data roaming in Serbia.

By following these tips and exploring the various attractions, visitors can enjoy a memorable and enlightening experience at the Nikola Tesla Museum.