Nikola Tesla, the inventor of the alternating current system and one of the great minds of the electrical age, was an ethnic Serb born in what is now Croatia, and Belgrade has looked after his legacy since his death in New York in 1943. The museum that bears his name occupies an elegant villa on Krunska Street in Vračar, and it holds his personal archive, his belongings and, famously, the gilded sphere containing his ashes. It is visited on a guided tour that runs every hour and lasts about 45 minutes, with most tours in English. The guides bring the story to life with working models of Tesla’s inventions, including demonstrations that make lamps glow in visitors’ hands, and a short film about his life. It is small, so it can be busy, but it is one of the most memorable hours you can spend in Belgrade, and a must for anyone with an interest in science.
How to visit: the museum is at Krunska 51 in Vračar, a short walk from Slavija square, and it is open daily, from 10:00 to 18:00 on Mondays and to 20:00 from Tuesday to Sunday. Visits are by guided tour, starting at the top of every hour, mostly in English with a couple of daily slots in Serbian. Individual visitors do not need to book; arrive at least fifteen minutes before the tour you want. Tickets are inexpensive, but payment is in cash in Serbian dinars and cards are not accepted, so visit an ATM first. Groups of more than ten must reserve ahead.
What to expect: the tour moves through a few rooms of the villa. You see Tesla’s personal items, documents and photographs, scale and working models of his induction motor, the Tesla coil and other inventions, and the room with the urn of his ashes. The demonstrations are the highlight and a favourite with children. The museum occasionally changes its hours for holidays and works, so check its news page before you go.
Making the most of it: come early in the day or in the evening to avoid tour groups, and pair the visit with the Temple of Saint Sava, about fifteen minutes away on foot across Vračar. Belgrade’s airport is also named after Tesla, and the city hosts Expo 2027, so interest is only growing.
What to expect
The experience
A 45-minute guided tour of a small villa museum, with demonstrations of working models, personal belongings and a short film.
Best time
The first tour of the morning or an evening slot from Tuesday to Sunday, when tour groups are fewer.
How long
About an hour including the wait for the next tour on the hour.
Tips
Bring cash in dinars, as cards are not accepted, and arrive fifteen minutes before the tour you want.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Science lovers, Tesla fans and anyone who wants a short, vivid museum visit.
- Families
- The live demonstrations, with lamps lighting up in your hands, make this a hit with children.
- Couples
- A quirky hour that pairs well with a cafe in Vračar and an evening at Saint Sava.
- Pair with
- The Temple of Saint Sava, about fifteen minutes away on foot.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
Do I need to book the Nikola Tesla Museum in advance?+
Individual visitors do not need to book; tours start every hour and you join the next one. Groups of more than ten must reserve by phone or email.
Can I pay by card at the Tesla Museum?+
No, the museum asks for cash in Serbian dinars and does not accept cards. Use an ATM before you go.
Are the tours in English?+
Yes, most hourly tours are in English, with a couple of daily slots in Serbian. Each tour lasts about 45 minutes.
What are the Tesla Museum opening hours?+
It opens daily, from 10:00 to 18:00 on Mondays and from 10:00 to 20:00 Tuesday to Sunday. Hours change occasionally for holidays, so check the museum news page.
Is Tesla buried at the museum?+
His ashes are kept in a gilded sphere in the museum, which is one of the most visited displays. He died in New York in 1943.
