European Heritage Days is an international cultural event, held under the auspices of the Council of Europe and the European Commission. It is celebrated in September, each year with a different theme, and in over fifty countries, with the aim of presenting the diversity of cultures, traditions and customs to the broader public. During this event, citizens have an opportunity to visit many famous buildings and other sites, many of which are normally not accessible to the public or are open on rare occasions.
Respectful of the main goals of the European Heritage Days, including the preservation and presenting of the diversity and richness of the national cultural heritage and identity, the National Bank of Serbia also took part in this event, having already been a participant in a number of local and international cultural events and aware of the time we live in and its social responsibility.
During one weekend in September, the Bank opens its doors at 12 Kralja Petra Street to organised tours. Citizens have the opportunity to enjoy the interior of one of the largest and most beautiful 19th century buildings in Belgrade. The edifice of the National Bank of Serbia in the neo-renaissance academic style was specifically designed to accommodate the central bank, with extensions added between 1922 and 1925. The project for the main part and the extensions, including the design of the interior, is the work of Konstantin Jovanović, a renowned Serbian-born Viennese architect. The edifice was declared a monument of culture and is a listed building.
In addition to enjoying the interior of the building, visitors can view the exhibition “Money in the Territory of Serbia” which is on permanent display at the exhibition space, and showcases the specificities of the Serbian cultural heritage in relation to money and the messages it sends through its design and artistic expression. Visitors can also view themed exhibitions, short video-recordings and accompanying materials. At the end of the tour visitors receive a souvenir – a banknote featuring their own portrait.
Expert guidance is provided and the entrance is free.
Normally, the exhibition space at the National Bank of Serbia is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. Entrance is free.
