Nikola Tesla Museum by Zaha Hadid Architects and Bureau Cube Partners. Aerial view - Visual by Norviska, courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects.

Nikola Tesla Museum by Zaha Hadid Architects and Bureau Cube Partners. Aerial view – Visual by Norviska.

Architecture. Zaha Hadid Architects and Bureau Cube Partners have unveiled their competition-winning project for the Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade, Serbia. Located in the historic Milan Vapa Paper Mill, the museum honours the legacy of Serbian-American engineer Nikola Tesla, celebrated for inventing the Tesla coil and for his pivotal contributions to the development of alternating current electricity.

Nikola Tesla Museum by Zaha Hadid Architects and Bureau Cube Partners. Atrium entrance - Visual by Norviska, courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects.

Atrium entrance – Visual by Norviska.

Spanning 13,400 sqm, the museum draws inspiration from Tesla’s research on magnetic fields and wireless energy transfer. “Informed by the concepts of magnetic forces and interconnectivity, it features dynamic elliptical curves radiating from the old factory chimney, the predominant feature of the site,” Zaha Hadid Architects told Archipanic.

The adaptive reuse of the 1924 building will preserve its industrial heritage while enhancing both its indoor and outdoor spaces. A newly added circular entrance on the factory’s western façade will welcome visitors into a triple-height central atrium, highlighted by the historic chimney at the museum’s centre.

Nikola Tesla Museum by Zaha Hadid Architects and Bureau Cube Partners. Top galleries - Visual by Norviska, courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects.

Top galleries – Visual by Norviska.

To enhance circulation and functionality, ellipsoidal openings will be created in the walls separating the old factory’s interior. These openings will form three-dimensional spherical voids, offering an extended perspective visible from the western entrance through the atrium and reaching to the Tesla memorial at the eastern end of the museum.

The galleries on the first floor will showcase historical artifacts, interactive displays, and immersive presentations. Furthermore, temporary galleries will present a vibrant array of exhibitions and events, offering fresh experiences for returning visitors.

Nikola Tesla Museum by Zaha Hadid Architects and Bureau Cube Partners. North facade - Visual by ZHA, courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects.

Nikola Tesla Museum’s North facade – Visual by ZHA.

The immersive Tesla Electronic Transformer Gallery features a 12-million-volt transformer, which will capture imaginations and showcase Tesla’s pioneering spirit. The museum’s visitor amenities also include a café, a multipurpose hall, and a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the Sava River.

Nikola Tesla Square is set to be a new public space adjacent to the building. Inspired by Tesla’s concepts of electromagnetic fields, the square will include winding pathways, gardens, and plazas that enhance accessibility and connect to both the Belgrade Waterfront and the city’s transportation network.

“Minimising ecological impact through passive design in addition to the use of renewable and geothermal energy, the paper mill’s restoration preserves its historic façades, vaulted ceilings and masonry while updating its structure to serve as one of the city’s most important cultural destinations.” Zaha Hadid Architects told Archipanic.

Nikola Tesla Museum by Zaha Hadid Architects and Bureau Cube Partners. Tesla Coil Room - Visual by Xuniverse, courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects.

Tesla Coil Room – Visual by Xuniverse.

Visuals are courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects.