Reconstruction

In 1952 the National Museum moves in the building at Trg Republike 1a, built in 1903 for the Hypotec bank. Reconstructions in 1966 adapt the building for the needs of the Museum at that time, meeting the then professional and museum standards. However, a speedy development of the National Museum, its new role in the world coupled with new tasks in protecting cultural heritage, as well as more detailed and strict standards in the field of preventive protection, and a fact there had been no serious investments for decades due to lack of understanding of competent authorities for the needs of such an institution of national significance and interest, yielded a disastrous state of the building and alarmingly poor storage, protection and exhibition conditions for the priceless cultural, historical and artistic treasures that the Museum keeps. In addition, already in the 80-s of the last century, the area of the Museum became too small and insufficient for performing the regular museum work on obtaining, keeping, protecting and presenting the cultural objects entrusted to it.

The initiative to start a thorough reconstruction of the National Museum was launched in early 2002, followed by a detailed analysis of all the relevant factors contributing to such a state in early 2002. A High Committee for the National Museum Reconstruction (HCNMR) was formed in August 2002 with the following tasks: to participate in making a reconstruction programme, to enforce the legal procedure and to monitor carrying out the reconstruction project of the National Museum. Head of the HCNMR is the Minister of Culture by nature of his office. The Ministry and the Serbian government are aware of the significance of the reconstruction of the National Museum, so special funds have been allotted since 2004. In June 2002, initial funds were collected at a Donation Banquet meant for the reconstruction of the National Museum, as an enterprise of the national significance. The Banquet was hosted by the then Primer Minister, Zoran Djindjic. The funds were available to the National Museum only since June 2003. However, important decision for solving a problem of the lack of space and expansion of the National Museum has not yet been made.

The National Museum closed its permanent exhibition on 1 June 2003.

The National Museum needs a full reconstruction which would create adequate conditions for placing and permanent storing and preserving, protecting and presenting the cultural objects, based on the requirements of modern museology, and which would allow long lasting adequate conditions for the development of the Museum and standard monitoring. The National Museum lacks the space for proper performance of all its work, for storing, processing, protecting and presenting the cultural objects and communication with the public in particular. In spite of its efforts, the National Museum lacks the possibilities for broader development of a new, modern role of a museum, which should be a centre for communication and education, offering various services as a place where, apart from providing gratification to all the senses, one may spend their leisure time. A special space is necessary for a centre for protection and an extension of the exhibition area, as well for carrying out activities for and communication with the public.