Thanks to Miodrag Kostić’s gift to the Serbian society that’s worth over 25 million euros, an area of 5,500m² in one of Belgrade’s most beautiful buildings has been transformed into the first centre for the research and popularisation of science in Serbia, representing the largest such centre in the region
The Miodrag Kostić Endowment has established the Palace of Science in Belgrade, located at 11 Kralja Milana Street. This project, which is of monumental importance to the development and support of science and education, reintroduces the concept of endowments in a grand manner, as it represents the largest philanthropic donation in the region since the early 20th century.
“Miodrag Kostić founded this endowment with the aim of leaving a lasting legacy to Serbian science and society. While this is the pinnacle of his philanthropic work, the opening of the Palace of Science is, for us, much more than the establishing of an endowment that bears his name. It is an investment in the future, technological progress and innovation, as well as an investment in our talented people who will drive Serbia’s future development. In addition to the research that will be conducted at 20 science centres, the popularisation of science is also an important goal of the Palace of Science. Special attention has been paid to programmes for primary and secondary school pupils, but this is nonetheless a place for all generations – from children and youth, to the academic and scientific research community,” said Aleksandar Kostić, member of the Board of the Miodrag Kostić Endowment.
“This monumental building, rich in architectural heritage and historical significance, had to be seamlessly integrated with modern technologies and contemporary content to create optimal conditions for conducting research at the science centres. We have breathed new life into this space precisely on the centenary of the building’s construction. The doors of the Palace of Science are open to the public, and we believe all generations will enjoy our exhibitions and the planetarium, as well as many other contents prepared by the Miodrag Kostić Endowment,” said Endowment board member Aleksandra Stojanović.
Visitors to the Palace of Science can explore a permanent exhibition featuring over 30 interactive and educational exhibits that demonstrate, in an engaging way, scientific phenomena and discoveries related to humanity, the Earth, technology and the universe. Among the highlights is the largest interactive globe in Europe, which is three metres in diameter and displays more than 500 projections using NASA’s database. The first guest exhibition, focusing on sharks, has arrived from New York’s American Museum of Natural History.
The Palace of Science also houses a planetarium with 36 seats, offering a 360-degree visual spectacle with hourly projections exploring the mysteries of the universe. The Show Lab presents projects from institutions that collaborate with the Miodrag Kostić Endowment, while VR capsules provide virtual tours of other locations through interactive 3D 360° video experiences. Additional features include a children’s science corner, restaurant and bookstore, as well as a café where robots serve coffee.
With the opening of the Palace of Science, Belgrade has gained a new and significant landmark in its cultural and tourist offer, solidifying its place on the map of Europe’s leading centres of science.