Capital city

The third chapter of the exhibition illustrates constant efforts of Belgrade – in the field of culture, construction, administration and education– to achieve all features of a European capital. Its complete modernization was slowed down by constant war devastations. Abundant archival material illustrates dynamic development of the city from the moment when Belgrade had become independent within the Ottoman Empire in 1830 until the years immediately before the Second World War.

The 20th century Belgrade embraced with regulated streets, electric lights, plumbing and tram traffic, hospitals, scientific institutions and associations, rich literary and art scene. Special attention is paid to the testimonies of everyday life (nutrition, houses, fashion) and great construction enthusiasm. The cosmopolitan spirit of Belgrade is demonstrated by parallel representations of different religions and their sacral objects and church register books.