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Sava Centar (Serbian Cyrillic: Сава центар) is an international congress, cultural and business center of various multi-functional activities located in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. It is the largest audience hall in the country and the entire former Yugoslavia, as well as one of the biggest in Europe. It has hosted numerous large-scale events and performances.

Key Information

In April 2021, the building was declared a cultural monument.[2][3]

Location

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Sava Centar is located in Block 19, in the municipality of New Belgrade. It is situated at 9 Milentija Popovića street. The complex is bounded by the streets of Vladimira Popovića to the east, Milentija Popovića to the west and Bulevar Arsenija Čarnijevića to the south. To the north are other buildings, which occupy the northern section of the Block 19, including Crowne Plaza Belgrade and Savograd.[4][5]

History

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Origin

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In 1975, after the First Conference of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, held in Helsinki, Finland, the President of Yugoslavia Josip Broz Tito accepted for Belgrade to host the next summit. However, Belgrade had no congressional facility which could welcome so many delegates, so it was decided to construct a new building. The author of the project, chief designer and team manager was Stojan Maksimović, who had only one month to submit the concept. He was chief designer of the Belgrade Construction Directorate and was given the task in March 1976, directly from Tito's office. Maksimović spent that month either in seclusion in his office in the City Assembly of Belgrade or on planes, visiting Paris, The Hague (Babylon), Copenhagen and Helsinki to inspect existing facilities of this type. The chief engineer was Radomir Mihajlović, Maksimović's colleague. The urban plan for the area was created by Miloš Perović.[6][7][8]

Construction

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Sava Centar in 1978

Work began in April 1976 and after a bit over a year, the building was ceremonially opened on 14 May 1977 by Tito. Construction itself lasted 11 months. Work on the first stage had to be rushed due to the scheduled OSCE conference, planned for 15 June 1977. Today, this date is considered as the birthday of Sava Centar, even though it was technically only the opening of Block A, followed by Block 2 in 1978 and Block 3 in 1979.[6] The second phase, a large performance and conference hall, opened for the 11th Congress of the League of Communists of Yugoslavia. The planned stage at the main hall, which had been envisioned as revolving, was scrapped and a fixed large stage was built instead. By 1979, Hotel Beograd InterContinental, now the Crowne Plaza Belgrade, was added to the complex to host the annual meeting of the World Bank.[7] The interior was designed by Aleksandar Šaletić.[9] Supporting infrastructure such as roads and highway connections were also built during this period around the Sava Centar complex.

The complex, due to its design and the speed by which it was finished, attracted international attention. It was among the nominees when the inaugural Pritzker Architecture Prize was awarded in 1979. Local press of the time named it a "spaceship", "a glass garden", "the beauty on the Sava", "a concrete ship of peace", "goodwill house", etc.[6] As the initial construction period overlapped with the finishing works at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the two structures were often compared at the time. While the famous Beaubourg was equally praised and criticized, Maksimović's work on Sava Centar was universally lauded.[3]

Later developments

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On 17 August 2006, the parking lot at Sava Centar was renovated to a capacity of 410 cars. As a result of the renovation, parking fees were introduced for the first time at Sava Centar but were lifted around 2016/2017.

In its jubilee year of 2007, when Sava Centar marked its 30th anniversary, substantial financing was utilized to reconstruct the glass facade. Furthermore, city authorities funded the reconstruction of broken glass on the sideways-facing facade, the acquisition of stage audio equipment for concert appearances and the replacement of seats in the main halls.

Failed privatization attempts

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By 2017, the 40-years old complex was in a bad financial situation. After it was built, investments into preserving and enhancing the complex were minimal. The city, which owned the facility, decided to find a strategic partner who would take 49% of ownership, while the city would retain 51% in the future joint company. The bidding was announced in 2016 and two companies, Delta Holding and a consortium headed by Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport showed interest. City authorities prolonged tender deadlines four times and decided to change some of the bidding conditions, so Delta Holding backed off. After the second bidding, the Airport also withdrew, without providing reasons. When the third bidding was announced in June 2017, no one applied.[6][7][10] In November 2017 the city announced another bidding in the future, but ordered three public utility companies (Belgrade Power Plants, Public Cleaning and Belgrade Waterworks and Sewage) to write off all debts from Sava Centar, in order to make it more attractive for the buyers.[11] The bidding was open in December, with the city asking for at least €12.5 million.[12]

Despite debt write-offs, Sava Centar remained one of the Serbian companies with the highest tax debts, reaching 558 million dinars (€4.7 million) in early 2018. Delta Holding reappeared as an interested investor, claiming willingness to pay double what the city was asking for, €25 million. Their condition was to build a footbridge to the future Intercontinental Hotel, planned by Delta Holding in the vicinity, who would accept the venue's entire debt but split eventual profits with the city. Instead of announcing the bids, the city extended the deadline to 20 March 2018.[7][13][14] Delta Holding was the only bidder, but their application was rejected as "incomplete", stating that Delta didn't specify how many employees it would keep. The commission executing the bidding recommended direct negotiations with the company, which the city administration accepted in July 2018,[15] before changing its mind again in February 2019, opting for a concession,[16] and then again in November 2019 when the city decided to sell the venue after all.[17]

In January 2020 the city confirmed it will sell the complex at a starting price of €25 million, while the new owner would have to preserve the function of the venue and to invest €50 million in the next 5 years.[18] In August 2020, the city conducted a bidding, raising the price to €27.4 million, and keeping the other stipulations.[7][19]

By this time, architects, economists, citizens' groups and political opposition parties began to criticize the city's handling of the matter, especially in the summer of 2020 when a similar, failed process was conducted for another symbol of Belgrade, the Beograđanka skyscraper. The city itself appraised Sava Centar at €108 million in 2016, but constantly kept offering it for 4 to 9 times less money, changing its mind and evading a deal closure. Opposition politicians openly accused the city administration of corruption and theft. They claimed that through repeated, failed bidding, the price of the venue kept being reduced each time, as allowed by the law, until it was sold to a tycoon close to the ruling establishment for a very low price.[20][21][22]

On the other hand, some real estate consultants claimed that the city was asking too much for the venue. Miloje Popović, the first manager of the venue, said that the city was making a mistake by selling it, that they should devise the right policy for congressional tourism instead, as such buildings are never built to be commercial on their own, instead attracting thousands of people whose spending benefits the entire community.[7] Some economists added that the city's claims of lacking funds to invest in Sava Centar were false, as the city administration was alleged to be wasting money elsewhere.[20] The public also pressured the administration, calling it incapable of managing the building and opposing the sale.[23]

On 22 August 2020, the city announced this last bidding failed, too, as no one had applied. Delta Holding stated they were still interested, but that almost €80 million of investments into the venue were too much. The city said it would probably repeat the bidding before the year's end, without clarifying if they would offer a 20% price reduction, as permitted.[23] The designer, Maksimović, accused the city of mismanaging the venue and raised concern that the venue would change its purpose after being sold to a private owner. The city was also accused of never trying to manage the venue properly, with accusations of corruption and nepotism in management; failing to hire foreign management; a lack of serious financial injections based on detailed and worked-out recovery concepts; failing to find domestic and foreign patrons; failing to find partners through the European Congressional Cities network; neglecting to re-hire the original authors to fix architectural and structural problems.[8]

Delta ownership

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Blue hall, 2025

On 11 September 2020, the city offered the complex again, reducing the price to €21.9 million, without changing the required amount of future investment,[24] but two weeks later this process failed as well, with nobody applying.[25] After this, the city made another offer for an even lower €17.5 million on 19 October.[26] Delta Holding applied as the sole bidder, finally purchasing the venue on 9 November 2020,[27] and announcing an investment of €60 million, even higher than stipulated by the contract. Reconstruction was announced for late 2021.[28]

Replacement of the facade was announced as the first task, starting at the end of 2021. Delta Holding announced that only foreign architects would be included in the reconstruction. Works were scheduled for completion in 2023, with the company expecting a return on its investment after 12 to 15 years. The company continues to claim the price was too high, even though it paid only 180 € per square meter. Along with the building, Delta Holding acquired some 40 valuable works of art, including paintings, tapestries, sculptures, a clock installation, etc. Some of these would be restored during the reconstruction as they were damaged over time.[29]

Some architects suggested that Sava Centar should be protected by law and declared a cultural monument, with the complex being placed under preliminary protection, meaning it should be treated as protected until a final decision on protection is made by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments.[7][8] Five months after the venue was sold to the private owner, the government declared Sava Centar a cultural monument on 8 April 2021.[2][3] When the City Assembly of Belgrade scheduled its 29 April 2021 session in the venue, due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, they referred to the structure as the "Delta Congressional Center, former Sava Centar". The management of Delta Holding reacted, stating that the name "Sava Centar" itself is a city symbol and brand of its own, and that it would not be changed.[30]

The reconstruction of the building began on 23 December 2021, with an estimated deadline set for late 2023, or early 2024. Despite previous claims, all companies involved in the reconstruction were domestic. The main project was done by the Centroprojekt studio. The reconstructed venue is planned to resurface as the congressional hub of this part of Europe, with a hosting capacity of up to 7,000 visitors.[31][32] The interiors will be changed to a certain degree, in accordance with Stojan Maksimović, the original designer. The center will consist of two, equally sized sections: a business-commercial section, and a congressional-cultural section. The seating capacity of the main, "Blue Hall", will be somewhat expanded. The congressional zone will have 45 rooms, instead of 16 as it had before. Delta Holding claimed in July 2022 that it already had booked congresses for late 2023 through 2025, and that total cost of the purchase, investment and renovation would be north of €90 million.[33]

In January 2023, Delta Holding scheduled a partial reopening of the venue for November 2023. The congressional section, with 40 halls, is scheduled to be opened, including one immersive hall. The overall value of the renovation was again raised, to over €100 million.[34] Congressional section was reopened on 14 November 2023, with Delta Holding claiming a total reconstruction investment of €118 million.[35][36] The largest, Blue Hall, should be finished by the mid-2024.[37]

Structural details

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Sava Centar has 69,720 m2 (750,500 sq ft) of useful and 100,000 m2 (1,100,000 sq ft) of overall area, including a theatre hall with 4,000 seats, 15 conference halls, an exhibition area and a number of other facilities. It annually hosts more than half million visitors. Sava Centar is connected to Crowne Plaza Belgrade via an underground hallway. The complex includes restaurants, bars, offices and shops.[8]

The building is situated on the easily accessible location. The great hall, nicknamed the Blue Hall due to its blue seats is the largest audience hall in the country with the above-mentioned 4,000 seats, both ground and upper level included. The hall has the ability to completely change its look depending on the stage set-up. As a result, the seats can be taken out.[8] It is also the place major cinema premiers are hosted.

In terms of architecture, Sava Centar is fitted into the larger urban area, which developed later under its influence (especially the green glass facades), and consists of the Blocks 19 and 20, encompassing buildings in the modern, glass and steel, style. The complex includes:[38][39]

  • Block 19: Sava Centar, Crowne Plaza Belgrade, Genex apartments, Delta Holding building;
  • Block 20: Hyatt Regency Belgrade, NIS building, unfinished headquarters of the "Rad" construction company;

Architecture of the object has been described as excellent, elegantly "landing" in the New Belgrade's lowlands. The venue was labeled as spacious, comfortable, airy and visitors friendly. Unlike the exterior, the interior was changed a lot since the construction was ended.[7][8] The art critics hailed it for the modern design, sharp lines, unusual outline, wide spans of the construction, cascade terraces, concrete brise soleils, and visible, vividly colored architectural construction. It was noted that "hardly any other building...will communicate with the surroundings so perfectly".[3]

Panoramic photo of Sava Centar

Events

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Sava Centar has hosted among others Gennady Rozhdestvensky, Zubin Mehta, Valery Gergiev, Eiji Oue, Mstislav Rostropovich, Henryk Szeryng, Ivo Pogorelić, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Plácido Domingo, Montserrat Caballé, Johan Strauss Orchestra, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, The USSR Ministry Of Culture Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), Okazu Philharmonic Orchestra, Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, Metropole Orchestra, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Nina Simone, Ray Charles, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Julio Iglesias, Jeff Beck, Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy, Suzanne Vega, Nigel Kennedy, B.B. King, Lou Reed, Roxy Music, Jethro Tull, Sting, David Byrne, Simple Minds, Laurie Anderson, Samantha Fox, Jason Donovan, Slobodan Trkulja, Bilja Krstić, Gotan Project and Madredeus.

It also serves as the venue of the Miss Serbia competition, the Serbian Eurovision Song Contest selection music festivals, Beovizija and was the host place of the Jugovizija (in 1987).

Sava Centar has been the host of significant congress gatherings and artistic programs: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Annual General Meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, 55th Annual General Meeting of Interpol, 6th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, General Meeting of UNESCO, FOREX, FISIT and 9th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement.

In January 1990, Sava hosted the 14th (and last) Congress of the League of Communists of Yugoslavia.[40]

In total, from May 1977 to May 2017, over 35,000 events of all kinds were held in the venue, with a total of 15 million visitors, of that 10,000 congressional meetings with 2 million participants.[6]

In June 2018, it held the 6th WordCamp Europe.[41]

In December 2024, Croatian singer Jelena Rozga held the first of a record seven concerts in Belgrade's Sava Center. With these concerts, Rozga went down in history as the first performer to do so in the last 25 years.[42]

Sava Centar in cylindrical perspective.

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sava Centar

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from Grokipedia
Sava Centar (Serbian Cyrillic: Сава центар) is a multipurpose international , cultural, and business center located in the business district of , , . Spanning 100,000 m², it serves as one of the largest convention facilities in , capable of accommodating events for over 5,000 participants. Designed by architect Stojan Maksimović and constructed between 1976 and 1977, with full completion by 1979, the center exemplifies brutalist-modern architecture and was opened ceremonially by Yugoslav leader on May 14, 1977. Its innovative design, featuring a 7,000 m² glass facade, earned a nomination for the Pritzker Prize and contributed to its designation as a cultural monument in 2021. The facility has hosted a wide array of significant events, including international congresses, trade shows, concerts by global artists, and performances, underscoring its role in regional and cultural exchange during and after the Yugoslav era. Recent renovations, completed in phases mirroring its original construction, have enhanced sustainability features such as solar panels generating approximately 600 MWh annually and a 50% reduction in electricity consumption, positioning Sava Centar as a leader in eco-friendly event hosting aligned with standards. Its halls, including the recently reopened Blue Hall, continue to support diverse programming from and to business meetings, maintaining its status as a key venue in Belgrade's event landscape.

Location

Site and Accessibility

Sava Centar occupies a site in the Novi Beograd municipality on the right bank of the Sava River, at the address Milentija Popovića 9, within 's primary business district. This positioning places it in close proximity to major hotels and key infrastructure, facilitating its role as a regional hub for congresses and events. The center benefits from strong road connectivity, with easy access via primary arteries like the Gazela Bridge, enabling a drive of about 15 minutes to central and 20-40 minutes to , contingent on traffic volume. On-site parking accommodates vehicular arrivals. Public transport options include frequent bus services operated by , such as the line from Savski Trg to Sava Centar, running every 15 minutes with a journey duration of approximately 7 minutes. Since January 1, 2025, all across has operated free of charge, enhancing for attendees. Facilities for persons with disabilities encompass ramps for entry, elevators equipped with auditory and visual signals, and adapted sanitary amenities to support mobility-impaired visitors.

History

Origins and Planning

The planning of Sava Centar originated from Yugoslavia's selection to host the first follow-up meeting to the 1975 Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE), a key diplomatic event aimed at reviewing implementation of the Final Act among 35 participating states. This designation underscored Yugoslavia's role in non-aligned diplomacy under , necessitating a dedicated venue for the marathon session that convened from 4 October 1977 to 8 March 1978, as existing facilities in proved inadequate for accommodating hundreds of delegates, media, and support staff. Commissioned by the City Assembly in response to this imperative, the project prioritized speed and functionality, with authorities tasking a team led by Stojan Maksimović to develop a multifunctional congress center on a site in along the River. Maksimović, then in his forties and recognized for modernist designs, conceived a minimalist, glass-heavy structure spanning approximately 32,000 square meters, emphasizing modularity for conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events to project Yugoslavia's progressive image internationally. The design process, initiated around mid-1976, incorporated extensive steel framing and large glazing areas totaling 8,500 square meters, reflecting postwar Yugoslav architectural trends toward brutalist and postmodern elements while adhering to tight deadlines under direct oversight. The urgency of the CSCE timeline—requiring conception, design, construction of the initial phase, equipping, and operational readiness within roughly 12 months—drove compromises in sequencing, with the core congress halls prioritized for completion by late 1977 to host the opening plenary. This accelerated planning, completed in as little as six to eleven months for key elements, marked a feat of socialist-era , mobilizing state resources and labor to erect the facility amid broader urban development in New Belgrade's Block 19. Despite the haste, the blueprint anticipated long-term utility beyond the conference, positioning Sava Centar as the ' largest such venue upon partial inauguration.

Construction Phase

Construction of Sava Centar commenced in 1976 as a state-initiated project in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, aimed at creating a major congress and business facility to host international events, particularly the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe scheduled for 1977. The project was led by architect Stojan Maksimović, who assembled a team of experts to realize the design within an accelerated timeline dictated by political imperatives. The initial phase focused on the core and , completed in approximately 11 months through intensive efforts involving prefabricated elements and modular construction techniques typical of Yugoslav socialist-era large-scale builds. This rapid pace was necessitated by the need to operationalize the venue for high-profile diplomatic gatherings, resulting in the ceremonial opening on May 14, 1977, presided over by Yugoslav President . The total built area reached 100,000 square meters, encompassing halls, exhibition spaces, and ancillary facilities engineered for multifunctional use. Subsequent phases extended through 1978, finalizing expansions such as additional halls and , though the primary structure was functional by the opening date. No major engineering challenges were publicly documented during , reflecting the era's emphasis on efficient under centralized ; however, the compressed schedule prioritized speed over long-term maintenance considerations, as evidenced by later facade issues. The project's success in meeting deadlines underscored Yugoslavia's capacity for ambitious development amid non-aligned goals.

Early Operations

Sava Centar initiated operations following its ceremonial opening on 14 May 1977, with the first phase of construction completed to host the Meeting of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in (CSCE), commencing on 15 1977. The venue's rapid development, spanning just 11 months for the initial segment, underscored its purpose as Yugoslavia's premier facility for international diplomacy and gatherings, accommodating delegates from 35 nations during the CSCE plenary sessions. In its inaugural years, Sava Centar rapidly expanded its programming to include major economic and cultural events, such as the 1979 annual meetings of the (IMF) and World Bank, which drew thousands of global representatives to . This period solidified the center's multifunctional capabilities, hosting congresses, exhibitions, and performances that leveraged its halls accommodating up to 4,000 attendees in the main auditorium. By 1980–1981, early operational success was evident in hosting 30 major international congresses with nearly 22,000 participants, 22 significant domestic gatherings attracting about 16,000 attendees, and roughly 600 smaller events. The center's prominence grew further with events like the 1983 Non-Aligned Movement Summit, reinforcing its status as a hub for non-aligned diplomacy and business under Yugoslav leadership. Throughout the 1980s, Sava Centar earned recognition as one of the world's top ten congress centers, reflecting its efficient management and architectural adaptability despite the era's economic strains.

Post-Yugoslav Challenges

Following the dissolution of the in 1991–1992, the newly formed Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, encompassing , faced severe international sanctions imposed by the in May 1992 in response to its role in the and recognition disputes over breakaway republics. These sanctions restricted trade, financial transactions, and travel, drastically curtailing Sava Centar's capacity to host international congresses and exhibitions, which had been central to its operations since opening in 1978. Domestic events persisted, including political gatherings under President Slobodan Milošević, but —reaching a monthly rate of over 300% in early 1993—and GDP contraction of approximately 20% that year strained public budgets, limiting funds for facility upkeep. The 1999 NATO bombing campaign from March 24 to June 10 targeted Serbian infrastructure amid the conflict, inflicting widespread damage estimated at $30 billion to the economy and exacerbating resource shortages for non-military state assets like Sava Centar, though the venue itself sustained no reported direct hits. As a publicly owned entity under the City of , it grappled with chronic underfunding throughout the Milošević era (1989–2000), prioritizing survival over investment amid isolation and internal repression. Post-2000 following Milošević's ouster brought partial sanction relief and democratic reforms, yet state management continued to foster operational inefficiencies, with the facility hosting events like Vojislav Koštunica's September 2000 inauguration but struggling with outdated systems. By the late and , years of deferred maintenance had led to evident physical decline, including structural wear on its brutalist elements and reduced activity levels, rendering parts of the complex underutilized. Staff efforts maintained basic functionality, such as and minor repairs, but systemic underinvestment—attributed to bureaucratic inertia and competing municipal priorities—resulted in low operational standards unfit for modern congress demands. This deterioration underscored broader post-socialist transition challenges in , where state-owned enterprises often languished without or reform, paving the way for later acquisition attempts.

Privatization Efforts

Following years of financial losses and inadequate maintenance under municipal ownership, the City of initiated efforts to privatize Sava Centar to secure private investment for its reconstruction and modernization. By the mid-2010s, the facility required an estimated 25 to 30 million euros for essential upgrades, prompting considerations of public-private partnerships or concessions where ownership would remain public but operations transferred to a private entity. Early attempts in the late 2000s, including expressions of interest from entities such as the Italian Rimini fair and Austrian Reed company, failed to materialize into a deal, as confirmed by Serbia's Privatization Agency. In December 2017, Belgrade Mayor Siniša Mali announced a renewed search for a strategic partner, launching a tender for operational management with plans for a joint venture to inject capital without immediate full divestment. These efforts emphasized long-term concessions over outright sale, aiming to retain public control while addressing chronic underfunding that had led to structural decay. By 2019, ongoing negotiations for a multi-year concession stalled amid insufficient qualified bids, highlighting challenges in attracting investors willing to commit to the venue's high costs without transfer. In response, the city shifted toward full , announcing a public tender in 2020 with an initial price of 25 million euros, followed by an August 2020 auction starting at 27.42 million euros after prior rounds yielded no viable offers. These tenders required bidders to pledge substantial additional investments, reflecting the facility's strategic value as Belgrade's premier venue despite its operational deficits. The process underscored broader hurdles in , where state assets often faced valuation disputes and limited competition.

Acquisition by Delta Holding

Delta Holding, a Serbian conglomerate with interests in and other sectors, acquired Sava Centar from the City of through a public auction on November 9, 2020. The successful bid amounted to 17.54 million euros, matching the reduced starting price set by the city after prior tenders failed due to insufficient offers or economic unviability concerns. This transaction followed at least three previous attempts by the City of to privatize the facility, including a canceled in 2020 where withdrew, citing unprofitable terms under existing conditions. Delta submitted its offer on November 5, 2020, committing not only to the purchase price but also to mandatory investments totaling at least 50 million euros in renovations and upgrades. The acquisition transferred ownership of the 29,374 square meter congress complex, including associated assets, to , owned by businessman , ending decades of public ownership that had been marred by maintenance issues and failed sales efforts. This deal was positioned by city officials as a step toward revitalizing the aging venue, with Delta's involvement seen as a strategic fit given its prior interest and real estate expertise.

Architecture and Design

Architectural Team and Concept

The Sava Centar was conceived and designed by a multidisciplinary led by Stojan Maksimović, tasked with creating Belgrade's inaugural major congress facility under tight deadlines imposed by Yugoslavia's international hosting commitments. The effort involved roughly 200 s coordinated by Milutin Dovijanić, with Radomir Mihajlović serving as principal construction designer, Branislav Jovin handling access roads and open areas, and Aleksandar Šaletić directing . This collaborative structure enabled the rapid execution of a complex project using a "design and build" approach, commencing in June 1976 and culminating in ceremonial opening on May 14, 1977. The core concept prioritized a multifunctional complex characterized by fluid, interconnected spaces to support versatile event configurations, including a primary congress hall accommodating 1,000 seats, a lecture hall for 240, and a round table hall for 220. Rooted in reductionist modernist tenets—echoing Mies van der Rohe's "less is more" philosophy—the design integrated interior and exterior elements while emphasizing user-centric functionality and adaptability over explicit ideological motifs. Influences from structures like Alvar Aalto's Finlandia Hall informed the spatial flow, alongside nascent postmodern elements observed in works by architects such as Kevin Roche and James Stirling, manifesting in modular concrete assemblies that conveyed structural robustness and era-specific industrial ambition. This horizontal, monumental layout positioned the center as a paragon of pragmatic congress architecture, facilitating seamless reconfiguration for conferences, performances, and gatherings.

Structural Engineering

The structural engineering of Sava Centar was led by Radomir Mihajlović, who developed a system prioritizing stability, modularity, and expedited construction to support the complex's multifunctional halls and expansive exhibition spaces. This framework enabled the rapid realization of large-span interiors, including a primary accommodating up to 4,000 seats with provisions for subdivision into smaller venues via movable partitions, minimizing internal supports to maximize flexibility. Primary materials included —sourced with local Sava River for durability—combined with framing and extensive facades exceeding 7,000 m² to facilitate and visual connectivity between interior and exterior environments. The , characterized by exposed, polished surfaces typical of Brutalist , was engineered for load-bearing efficiency, supporting a total built area of approximately 28,000 m² plus 25,000 m² of adjacent open spaces without compromising seismic resilience in the region. Construction from June 1976 to May 1977 adopted a "design-and-build" , deploying 900 to 1,100 workers daily under continuous oversight, which allowed completion in under a year while integrating steel elements for tensile strength in cantilevered and overhanging sections. This approach, coordinated by firms like "Trudbenik," emphasized where feasible to align with Yugoslavia's non-aligned economic priorities, resulting in a robust capable of withstanding high-traffic event loads over decades. Subsequent reconstructions, such as the 2021–2023 overhaul, preserved the original concrete integrity through revitalization techniques, confirming the enduring efficacy of Mihajlović's foundational .

Facilities and Capacities

The Sava Centar features a primary known as the Blue Hall, which accommodates 4,050 seated attendees following a capacity expansion of 400 seats completed in . This hall, spanning approximately 900 square meters, supports large-scale concerts, conferences, and theatrical performances with advanced audiovisual systems installed during recent renovations. Additional key venues include the Main with a capacity of 1,200 seats and an area of 1,250 square meters, suitable for plenary sessions and galas. The Immersive Hall offers 1,000 seats across 900 square meters, featuring 360-degree projection capabilities for interactive events. Smaller spaces such as the Amphitheater Hall seat 500, while the Serbian Lounge handles up to 360 participants. The center provides over 40 versatile meeting rooms, totaling 46 halls across 18,000 square meters of conference space, equipped with natural lighting and modern technology for diverse formats including seminars and workshops. Exhibition facilities exceed 8,000 square meters, enabling large trade shows and displays with direct access to adjacent infrastructure. The overall complex spans 100,000 square meters, integrating these capacities for multipurpose use.

Renovations and Modernization

Deterioration Under State Ownership

Following the breakup of in the early , Sava Centar remained under Serbian state ownership, managed primarily by the City of , during which period the facility underwent progressive physical and operational deterioration due to insufficient maintenance and investment. By the late , the complex had reached a comprehensively poor condition, requiring full-scale reconstruction to restore functionality, as the structure's aging systems and infrastructure had not been adequately updated. Short-term repair attempts in prior years failed to halt the decline, exacerbating issues such as outdated electrical, HVAC, and structural elements built in the 1970s and 1980s. Operational challenges compounded the physical neglect, with the number of congresses and events hosted dwindling markedly under public ownership, attributed to a combination of economic constraints, management inefficiencies, and failure to adapt to international standards. The venue's facilities no longer met modern requirements for high-profile gatherings, including inadequate systems, poor , and insufficient capacity for contemporary hybrid events, leading to lost revenue and competitiveness against newer regional venues. Annual event volumes dropped from hosting major international conferences in the 1980s—such as the 1987 World Bank and IMF assembly—to sporadic domestic use by the 2010s, reflecting broader post-socialist economic disruptions and state budgetary priorities favoring other infrastructure. In 2019, amid failed privatization tenders, city officials assessed the need for 25 to 30 million euros in immediate reconstruction to address safety and usability concerns, underscoring years of deferred upkeep that had rendered halls like the main assembly space prone to technical failures and aesthetic degradation. This neglect contrasted with the center's original design for endurance, highlighting causal factors rooted in centralized state control lacking market-driven incentives for ongoing capital improvements. State management reports from the era, while limited in public detail, implicitly acknowledged these issues through repeated concession bids, though transparency on specific mismanagement or procurement lapses remains constrained by institutional opacity.

Delta Holding Reconstruction


initiated the comprehensive reconstruction of Sava Centar following its acquisition in November 2020 for 17.5 million euros, with a commitment to invest at least 50 million euros in renovations over five years. The works commenced in December 2021 and extended over three years, culminating in the completion of the Blue Hall in September 2024. The total investment amounted to 120 million euros, exceeding the initial pledge and focusing on restoring the facility's original architectural integrity while integrating contemporary functionality. The reconstruction emphasized a balanced preservation of the building's Brutalist , originally completed in , with modern enhancements across congress, business, and commercial zones. Key structural and spatial upgrades included expanding the number of halls from 16 to 46, increasing exhibition space to over 8,000 square meters, and adding new venues such as an Amphitheater Hall, a multifunctional Immersive Hall with 1,200 seats, and an Atrium winter garden accommodating approximately 5,000 plants. The Blue Hall underwent a dedicated 40 million euro renovation, boosting its capacity by 10% to 4,050 seats and equipping it with state-of-the-art sound systems, advanced lighting, and the region's largest 3D cinema screen. Phased implementation mirrored the original 1977–1978 construction timeline, with the congressional sections reopening on November 14, 2023, followed by the cultural Blue Hall zone in 2024. measures were integral, featuring 912 solar panels generating 600 MWh annually (offsetting 226 tons of CO2), a 50% reduction in electricity consumption via upgraded three-layer carpentry on the 7,000 square meter glass facade, and a 15% expansion of green areas to 18,000 square meters, culminating in certification. These enhancements transformed Sava Centar into a smart, energy-producing building capable of hosting diverse events, including concerts by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and .

Technical Upgrades Implemented

The reconstruction of Sava Centar by incorporated advanced audio-visual and acoustic systems throughout its facilities, including new lighting and acoustics in the Blue Hall developed in collaboration with leading global companies to deliver enhanced performance for concerts, films, and congresses. The Blue Hall received upgraded technological equipment supporting modern events, with its capacity expanded by 10% to 4,050 seats while preserving original acoustics and blue seating. A state-of-the-art concert sound system was installed, complemented by the region's largest cinema hall featuring an advanced 3D screen for specialized screenings. halls were modernized with contemporary , including hybrid studio capabilities for remote participation, doubling the total from 16 to 46 versatile spaces. The Immersive Hall 360°, a new 900 m² venue unique to , supports up to 1,000 attendees with 360-degree wall projections, modular partitioning into three 300 m² sub-halls, and cutting-edge stage for immersive events. Energy systems were overhauled for , achieving a 50% reduction in electricity use through modern solutions like three-layer carpentry, thermally adaptive glass facades, and 912 rooftop solar panels projected to generate 600 MWh annually while offsetting 226 tons of CO₂ emissions. Structural reinforcements utilized innovative Memory Steel technology, a first in , to enhance seismic resilience and durability without compromising the original design. Fire safety upgrades aligned with current regulations, including new sound, video, and emergency systems installed during preparatory works.

Usage and Events

Major Historical Events

The Sava Centar served as the venue for the Belgrade Review Meeting of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE, predecessor to the OSCE) from October 4, 1977, to March 8, 1978, a major War-era diplomatic follow-up to the 1975 involving 35 nations and underscoring Yugoslavia's non-aligned role in East-West dialogue; this event directly prompted the center's expedited construction. In October 1979, the center hosted the joint Annual Meetings of the (IMF) and World Bank Group, attended by finance ministers and governors from over 130 countries, representing a high point in Yugoslavia's international economic engagement amid its debt challenges. The 12th Congress of the League of Communists of convened at the Sava Centar from June 26 to 29, 1982, where party leaders addressed economic reforms and decentralization under collective presidency amid rising ethnic tensions. The 9th Summit of the gathered heads of state from 101 countries at the venue from September 4 to 7, 1989, hosted by as a founding member, focusing on global and South-South shortly before the federation's collapse. The 14th Congress of the League of Communists of , the party's final gathering, took place there from January 20 to 22, 1990, resulting in ideological splits, walkouts by Slovene and Croatian delegates, and the effective dissolution of the monolithic communist structure that had ruled since 1945. These events positioned the Sava Centar as a symbol of 's geopolitical ambitions, hosting over 800 international congresses by the 2000s, though source accounts from state-affiliated or post-Yugoslav institutions may underemphasize internal divisions evident in delegate disputes.

Contemporary Programming

In the 2020s, Sava Centar has maintained its role as Belgrade's primary venue for large-scale cultural and professional events, hosting a blend of musical concerts, theatrical performances, international conferences, and specialized symposia. The Blue Hall, with its capacity for major spectacles, frequently features regional pop and folk artists alongside international tributes and ensembles. Concerts dominate the entertainment programming, drawing crowds for performances by Balkan musicians such as on November 7, 2025, Halid Muslimović on November 12, 2025, and Crvena Jabuka (Red Apple) on November 13, 2025. Earlier examples include the STOMP percussion show from November 1 to 3, 2024, and Saša Kovačević's exclusive concert announced for the Blue Hall. Cultural offerings extend to ballet, with the State Academic Ensemble of Folk Dances performing Igor Moiseyev's works on November 8–9, 2025, and tribute shows like the spectacle featuring Ben Bowman and a live . Professional gatherings underscore the center's congress facilities, accommodating over 46 halls for events ranging from and culinary symposiums to conferences. Notable recent and upcoming instances include the European Presidents Meeting by the Serbian Culinary Federation from October 10 to 12, 2025; the Southeastern Europe Tunnelling Conference (SETC-2025) and ITA Tunneling Awards from October 1 to 3, 2025; the MIND congress on in , held May 9–10, 2025; and the ERAS 2025 symposium on October 13, 2025, accredited for healthcare professionals. Specialized pop culture events, such as URUSAI CON 2025 on June 28–29 focusing on , video games, and , further diversify the schedule. Humanitarian and film events add variety, exemplified by the Serbs for Serbs donor evening on October 27, 2025, and premieres like Balkan War on October 1, 2025. Upgraded facilities, including the 900 m² Immersive Hall 360° with modular design and projections, support innovative programming for corporate and experiential gatherings. This multifaceted approach positions Sava Centar as a hub for both and knowledge exchange in .

Ownership and Economic Role

State Management Era

Sava Centar was constructed between 1976 and 1979 as a state-initiated project of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, designed by architect Stojan Maksimović to host the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE), which convened from October 1977 to March 1978. The facility was completed in approximately six months to accommodate the eight-month international gathering, reflecting Yugoslavia's non-aligned foreign policy ambitions and its role in European diplomacy. Under state management from its inception through 2020, Sava Centar operated as a publicly owned institution under the City of , serving as a multifunctional venue for congresses, cultural performances, and political events that positioned the city as a regional hub. The center's initial director, Miloje Popović, oversaw operations that encapsulated the venue's significance in the , , and the former , including hosting high-profile activities. Throughout the post-Yugoslav period, state oversight maintained Sava Centar's role in national events, though multiple efforts, including failed tenders by 2017 and a public-private partnership bid, highlighted challenges in sustaining the aging infrastructure without private investment. Ownership remained with the City of until its sale in November 2020 for €17.54 million, marking the end of four decades of public administration. During this era, the center contributed to 's economy by attracting international delegations and events, though operational inefficiencies under state control became evident over time.

Private Ownership Transition

The transition to private ownership of Sava Centar occurred in November 2020, when , a prominent Serbian and conglomerate firm, acquired the facility from the City of for €17.5 million following a public tender process. This sale concluded years of prior efforts by municipal authorities to divest the aging complex, which had faced failed bids dating back to at least 2017, amid concerns over maintenance costs and underutilization under public control. As part of the acquisition agreement, committed to substantial capital investments for reconstruction, exceeding €118 million by 2023, to address structural decay and upgrade infrastructure while preserving the site's congress and cultural functions. The deal shifted operational control from state-managed entities to private enterprise, with Delta Real Estate—a —overseeing management and promising enhanced programming capacity without altering the iconic branding. This aligned with broader Serbian economic policies favoring involvement in public assets to boost efficiency, though the final sale price represented a discount from an initial August 2020 asking price of €27.42 million, reflecting negotiated terms amid limited bidder interest. Post-transition, the facility's revenue model pivoted toward diversified event hosting and commercial leasing, contributing to its reported full operational revival by late 2023.

Impact on Belgrade's Economy

The privatization and subsequent renovation of Sava Centar by , completed in September 2024 at a total cost exceeding €120 million, represented a substantial capital infusion into Belgrade's , stimulating local , and supply chain sectors during the three-year project. This investment, which included €40 million specifically for the Blue Hall's refurbishment, not only modernized the facility but also created direct and indirect employment opportunities in trades, , and , aligning with broader economic revitalization in . Post-renovation, Sava Centar has hosted over 530 events in 2024 alone, attracting more than 500,000 visitors and positioning it as a key driver of in . These activities generate revenue through venue rentals, exhibitions, and performances, while fostering ancillary economic activity such as increased occupancy in nearby hotels, demand for catering services, and engagement of local technicians and suppliers, thereby bridging domestic businesses with international markets. Historically, the center has cumulatively welcomed over 10 million visitors since its 1977 opening, underscoring its long-term role in elevating Belgrade's profile as a regional hub for business and cultural exchanges that bolster receipts and . By enabling large-scale international congresses—such as the 14th European Nutrition in 2023—and domestic events, Sava Centar contributes to Serbia's industry growth, which supports GDP through visitor spending estimated to amplify local economic multipliers in retail, transport, and services. The facility's integration into Delta Holding's portfolio, including plans for an adjacent five-star , further amplifies these effects by enhancing Belgrade's competitiveness in attracting high-value MICE (meetings, incentives, , exhibitions) , which has been identified as a strategic sector for post-pandemic economic recovery.

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