The Palace of Serbia is a significant administrative building located in Novi Beograd. Constructed in 1959, it initially served as the Federal Executive Council of Yugoslavia. Its magnificent appearance continues to symbolize the power Yugoslavia held as a leader of the Non-Aligned Movement and the new communist order. Today, this grand structure hosts high-level government events and accommodates several cabinet-level ministries and agencies.
Table of Contents
Name: From the Palace of the Federation to the Palace of Serbia
The building, initially named Federal Executive Council, served as the headquarters for the Federal Executive Council of Yugoslavia. Later, it became known as the Palace of the Federation, while colloquially it was often called SIV (Savezno izvršno veće), a nickname still in use today. Following the disintegration of Yugoslavia and lastly Montenegro’s secession in 2006, the building became known as the Palace of Serbia.
Location of the Palace of Serbia
The Palace of Serbia is located in Novi Beograd, along Mihajla Pupina Boulevard in Block 13, with Nikola Tesla Boulevard stretching at its rear.
Symbol of Yugoslavia’s Power
The idea of constructing this palace emerged in 1947, alongside the plan to develop a new city on the left bank of the Sava River. This city, known as Novi Beograd, was intended to serve as the capital of the newly formed Republic of Yugoslavia. The palace was envisioned as a model and landmark, setting the architectural standard for all future buildings in Novi Beograd.
The building was designed to reflect the power, grandeur, stability, and integrity of the new Yugoslavia. Its impressive exterior is complemented by a luxurious interior design featuring numerous works of fine and applied arts, giving the Palace the character of a gallery showcasing Yugoslav 20th-century art. To this day, almost nothing has changed in the Palace since the time of Josip Broz Tito and Yugoslavia.
In 2013, the Palace, along with its collection of Fine and Applied Arts, which are an integral part of the building, was designated as a cultural monument.
Building Specifications
The Palace of Serbia’s H-shaped base covers an area of 5,500 square meters. The building has five floors and a total area of 65,000 square meters. Of this, 40,000 square meters consist of corridors and halls. Inside the building, there are 744 offices, 13 conference rooms, six salons named after the former Yugoslav republics, and three grand halls.
In front of the Palace lies a grand fountain, the largest in the former Yugoslavia and this part of Europe. It remains a significant site where Serbian officials continue to welcome heads of states and government officials.
The Great Hall Inside the Palace of Serbia
Upon entering the building, visitors encounter a staircase of stunning beauty that leads to the central hall and the “Sutjeska” mosaic. This grandiose mosaic by Slovene artist Marij Pregelj covers an area of 90 square meters and depicts one of the most significant battles of the People’s Liberation War.
The grandiose staircase is flanked by two pillars covered in 24k gold. Behind it once stood the presidential office of Josip Broz Tito, which is now used by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
Adjacent to the staircase, a plate commemorates the First Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, which took place in this building in 1961. In one corner, there is also a statue of Nikola Tesla.
Salons Dedicated to Yugoslav Republics
The Palace boasts six lounges dedicated to each of the federal republics that constituted Yugoslavia: Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia. Each salon is uniquely decorated and furnished to celebrate the distinct characteristics of its respective federal unit.
Notably, the interior decoration, including paintings, mosaics, lavish carpets, chandeliers, etc. was custom-created for the Palace, meticulously executed according to the specific assignment given to the special artistic commission.
Macedonian Salon
The first lounge upon entering from the grand hall is dedicated to Macedonia (today known as North Macedonia). The decor is designed to reflect a traditional Macedonian household, heavily influenced by oriental style. The main furniture consists of a central table, a semi-circular settee, sofas, and benches inspired by traditional Macedonian designs. The chandeliers resemble old oil lamps used in homes before the advent of electricity.
Montenegrin Salon
This lounge was designed by Montenegrin architect Vojislav Djokić, who also designed the stunning carpet, the second most valuable carpet in the Palace, as it has 12,000 knots per square meter. The lounge was designed in the spirit of Petar II Petrović Njegoš.
The lounge also features a stunning mosaic titled “Mutiny of Sailors from Kotor and Sinking of Ship Zagreb,” depicting an event from the Second World War. It is commonly referred to as “Lovćen” for short.
Slovenian Salon
The Slovenian lounge resembles a modern art gallery, adorned with paintings and sculptures. The standout feature is the chandeliers, designed to mimic the stalactites of the famous Postojna Cave in Slovenia. Each crystal hangs separately, producing a constant soothing sound throughout the lounge. The stunning carpet symbolizes the arrival of the Slavs on the Balkan Peninsula.
The lounge also features a sculpture titled “Manifestanti,” representing people demonstrating in Belgrade in March 1941 against the pact with Nazi Germany, chanting “Better war than a pact.”
Another intriguing piece is an abstract painting called “Great Pieta” by Jože Ciuha. This painting, depicting Jesus Christ, is especially intriguing given that religion was forbidden under communism.
Serbian Salon
The Serbian lounge features a carpet designed by artist Lazar Vujaklija, whose distinct style is easily recognizable. His large blue painting is also prominently featured in the Yugoslav Salon of the Palace. On a side note, if you visit Belgrade’s iconic Genex Tower, you will see Vujaklija’s murals on the outside walls.
Salon of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Bosnian salon was designed by architect Zlatko Ugljen, featuring materials unique to Bosnia and Herzegovina, enhanced with decorative elements and furniture in traditional style. The walls are covered with maple wood paneling, the most common plant species in the Bosnian-Herzegovinian climate, in harmonious relation with copper wall lamps. The centerpiece is magnificent tapestry named “The Forest”. Initially, a chandelier by artist Zoran Petrović graced the ceiling, but it was replaced with neon lighting in the early 1990s.
Croatian Salon
The Croatian salon was designed as a dining room for high-level officials. The interior was designed by Croatian architect Vjenceslav Richter. Abundance of natural light enters the salon through two large glass surfaces. The chandelier stretches along the length of the salon and is an important element of the decor. The fresco on the wall, running along the entire length, was created by the artist Oton Gliha.
The Main, Yugoslav Salon in the Palace
The Yugoslav lounge is the largest and most representative room in the palace. Its distinctive design is characterized by monumental wall compositions by Petar Lubarda and Lazar Vujaklija, as well as the triptych mosaic “The Creation of Yugoslavia” by Mladen Srbinović.
The ceiling of this room is adorned with a crystal chandelier featuring 2,500 bulbs, hanging below a glass dome that brings in plenty of natural light. Weighing over 9 tons and with a diameter of 18 meters, it was the largest chandelier in the world at that time.
The first part of “The Creation of Yugoslavia” mosaic by Mladen Srbinović depicts the gathering of people around the sun. The idea of Yugoslavism is often represented by the symbol of the sun, just like in the giant chandelier. The second mosaic portrays a children’s choir singing, celebrating the glory Yugoslavia’s creation. The third mosaic, “Celebration of Work,” emphasizes the role of hard work in the creation of Yugoslavia.
Conclusion
The Palace stands as a monumental testament to the architectural grandeur and historical significance of the former Yugoslavia. From its meticulously designed lounges, each reflecting the unique cultural heritage of the federal republics, to the grandiose Yugoslav lounge adorned with monumental frescoes and the world’s largest chandelier of its time, the palace encapsulates a rich tapestry of art, history, and political symbolism.
Today, it continues to serve as a symbol of the country’s past and present, hosting high-profile events and dignitaries from around the world. As you walk through its halls, you are not only stepping into a building but into a storied past that continues to influence and inspire the present and future.
Leave a Reply