In the enchanting atmosphere of the "Hall under the Arches" and in the open space of the Residence of Princess Ljubica, hyper-realistic models of the most brilliant achievements of Serbian sacral architecture are presented for the first time.
Visitors can enjoy both replicas of nearly thirty of the most historically and culturally valuable monastery buildings in Serbia (scale 1:75 or in an imposing size of 1:18), as well as the most striking details of the monastery facade plastic, as well as original relief displays of world-famous Serbian frescoes and never-before-seen sculptures of the greats of Serbian medieval history and spirituality.
Exclusively on display there is a faithful reconstruction of the appearance of the Monastery of the Holy Archangels in Prizren, a foundation of Emperor Dusan - completely destroyed in the early 17th century - and which, in the words of architect Pedja Ristic, represents "the greatest architectural work ever created by Serbian man." Parts of the future complete model of the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris are also on display.
All exhibits are the work of the Belgrade studio CENET - Center for nurturing the tradition, and are made of the most modern composite concrete and other high-tech materials, according to technical drawings and illustrations stored in the institutes for the protection of cultural monuments; painting and patination were carried out by experienced craftsmen, while the initial phase - the creation of clay models, was entrusted to talented young academic sculptors.
The primary impetus for the development of the CENET program was the specific situation in which our centuries-old monasteries in Kosovo and Metohija have found themselves, namely the unfortunate fact that they are the most valuable monuments of Serbian history, culture, architecture and Orthodox spirit, practically out of reach and sight of our citizens and that they are at risk of appropriation, falsification of provenance, oblivion and perhaps physical destruction. It is therefore understandable that this unique undertaking has the strong support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia, the Historical Museum of Serbia, the Museum of the Serbian Orthodox Church and other reputable institutions.
