ette. Designed by architects Ivan Antić and Ivanka Raspopović and unveiled in 1965, this landmark edifice is one of the most significant achievements of Yugoslav architecture. The struc- ture was conceived as a crystalline polyhedron composed of 3six truncated glass-and-concrete cuboids, creating the visual effect of a light sculpture floating in space. The internal layout is what renders this museum truly unique. The interior features no partition walls in the tradi- tional sense; its five exhibition levels are connected by gentle cascades and short flights of stairs, allowing visitors to move through the art continuously and seamlessly. Its expansive glass surfaces serve not only as sources of natural light, but as living frames. Through them, visitors enjoy spectacular direct views of Kalemegdan Fortress that rises on the ridge across the river, thus maintaining quiet, uninterrupted dialogue be- tween that ancient heart of the city and the contemporary ar- tistic expression on display inside the museum. Park of friendship and the confluence MoCAB itself is surrounded by the Park of Friendship, one of Belgrade’s most historic green spaces. Established in the early 1960s to commemorate the First Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement, visiting world leaders planted trees along its Avenue of Peace. It today functions as an open-air sculpture park, adorned by works of titans of Yugoslav sculp- ture – such as Ivan Meštrović, Antun Augustinčić and Vojin Bakić – nestled among the treetops. From this park, paths lead directly to the confluence it- self — representing the exact spot where the currents of the Sava and Danube merge. The low September sun casts gold- en reflections across the water, framing views of river islands, promenades and the Belgrade skyline. Strolling along the riv- erbanks in the early afternoon, with the autumn breeze bring- ing fresh air off the water, is one of the most cherished sea- sonal rituals among locals. Reason to visit: exhibition “Personal stories / Political realities” This September’s main cultural highlight at MoCAB is the major international exhibition entitled Personal Stories / Po- litical Realities (running until 20th September), organised in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art in Lyon (macLYON). This complex and visually striking presentation brings together the rich collections of both institutions, pre- senting works by Serbian, regional, and international artists. The exhibition explores the intersection between intimate human experiences — the body, memory, identity and family histories — and the major sociopolitical upheavals and migra- tions of the modern era. The curatorial design makes excep- tional use of MoCAB’s cascading levels to create an environ- ment in which each artistic suite can be viewed both up close and from elevated or lower perspectives on adjacent levels, of- fering a literal new perspective on the themes presented. Whether you conclude your visit by taking in the rooftop views over the meeting of the two rivers and Kalemegdan, or with a relaxed stroll through the Park of Friendship, MoCAB in September offers a flawless fusion of fine visual art and the very best of Belgrade’s autumn charm.
AT THE CONFLUENCE OF TWO RIVERS Autumn symphony of Belgrade art Where the Sava meets the Danube, world- class architecture, beautiful parklands and unique views of Kalemegdan Fortress come together to provide the very best of what the Serbian capital has to offer T here are few places in Europe where high culture, the elegance of brutalist architecture and pristine nature converge as effortlessly and powerful- ly as at Belgrade’s Ušće (confluence). Occupying the geographical point where the mighty waters of the Sava flow into the Danube is the Park of Friendship (Park Prijateljstva) — a sprawling green oasis that’s home to one of the Balkans’ most vital cultural beacons: the Museum of Contemporary Art in Belgrade (MoCAB). For travellers landing in Serbian capital this September, a visit to MoCAB is far more than a mere gallery tour. It is a complete aesthetic experience blending early-autumn river- side charm, a masterpiece of Yugoslav modernist architec- ture and a window into the most dynamic currents of the contemporary art scene. Architecture in dialogue with nature and history As soon as you make your initial approach through the park, the museum building captivates with its striking silhou-
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