I have admired this building, which was the Belgrade Insurance Association, for years and years. It's absolutely monumental, and is an architectural pearl, not just for Belgrade, but for all of Europe. It's been long overdue for a renovation, the last one having been in 1907, and there were speculations whether or not this would actually happen.
Sometime next year (Belgrade time...could be later...) the building is finally supposed to get a facelift, which will cost about 1 million euros. This will include restauration of the facade, a new roof (presumably in the same style), renovation of exterior carpentry and metalworks, as well as reinforcement of the structure. The statues too will be restored, as will the terraces. Two domes, destroyed during the Second World War, will be reconstructed.
Not foreseen is restauration of its interior. I found some photos on Google, and have written to the Tourist Agency here to see if it can be visited, for the photos of the interior I saw showed tourists, and the interior looks very, very well-preserved. If I get in, you'll see!
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25 comments:
The renovation will be an undertaking but will be worth it. It looks a fabulous building now so in peak condition it will be amazing.
An incredible building. Let's hope all goes well and it is restored as planned!
It's an amazing old building. Sure hope it gets the face lift. Would love to see the inside.
They probably looked at an actuarial table and saw that it was time to avoid an legal entanglements due to system failure. I hope they go forward with the work, especially since they could rebuild the domes.
What a stunning building. I'm looking forward to seeing how the restoration turns out—both on the outside and (I hope) the inside.
What a monumental building indeed! I wonder what it looked like back when it was new!
that would be so exciting if you could get in & take photos! I am so happy to hear there will be a restoration. This is truly a beautiful old building. I love old buildings too Bibi.
What a beautiful building with interesting architectural details. Would love to see the restoration.
Very interesting stuff.
FYI, your URL in McLinky has a typo (- dash instead of . dot), but I STILL made it here!
Love to see the inside.
The plans for restoration must also be impressive!
RenOvating this beautiful building would truly call for a standing "O"vation!
Hope you get inside for some pre photographs.
I think restoring old buildings is wonderful.
The art and craftmanship from the past is amazing.
Sherry
Oh, what a wonderful old building! I do hope they get the restoration going soon, it would be such a shame to have damage get worse and beyond repair! Lovely shot! Great post for the O word!
Enjoy your day, Bibi!
Sylvia
Beautiful building. Great shot.
Incredible that it took so long - looks like it's still in relatively good shape though. Beautiful architecture.
The word Overdue usually startles me, but I can support this overdue! This is certainly a building worth renovating. Lovely!
Well done on the post - the photo is wonderful with the bit of mistiness over the grand old building. I do hope you get to see the interior first hand.
I do like to see beautiful old buildings being restored to their former glory, especially if done properly, with the right materials. It will be interesting to see pictures of the interior, too, if you manage to get some!
Wow...I do like the look and feel of old buildings... :) This is nice!
Great photo. It seems that it is possible to visit the building, which is emptied now. Here says: “If you are polite and if you ask the doorman, he will let you in”. Then text also says that the interior is in terrible condition. (post #24)
http://www.beobuild.rs/forum/viewtopic.php?id=993&p=1
I’m in temptation to do that these days :)
The famous Geozavod building, whats sad about it is that someone somehow has a connection and uses the building to throw large parties, mainly for New Years eve but this year they also had one for Halloween, I went and the building is also amazing inside but these parties are destroying it, spilled drinks, overflowing toilets, loud thumping music etc etc. While the location is perfect for parties (especially spooky Halloween) I still think they shouldn't be allowed to do this.
Hi, Milos. This is awful. I really must go down and see for myself. If you wish to write me, write me at my email address under my profile.
Here are some interior photos I found http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/6509/geozavodpicture3vm.jpg
google for "Geozavod" you will probably find more but mostly photos from the parties that get organized there
Oh goodness I've missed visiting your blog :) I've been away from home the past month and couldn't keep up with everything.
This is such a grand building. I' glad to hear that it's on the list of being restored - at least it made the list. I hope you get in!! :)
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