The dome's construction used prestressed concrete, a technique that was highly innovative at the time of its 1957 completion.
The structure serves as a cultural heritage monument under protection by the Republic of Serbia.
Hall 1 is often referred to as the 'Master Hall' due to its central importance within the wider exhibition complex.
The dome has a total height of 30.7 meters.
The building was designed to be earthquake-resistant, a significant technical achievement for its era.
It hosted the first Miss World pageant held in a socialist country in 1969.
The interior is entirely column-free, providing maximum flexibility for event organizers.
The complex has been a site for some of the oldest continuous international trade fairs in the Balkans.
Belgrade Fair Hall 1 is a monumental dome structure recognized as the largest prestressed concrete dome in the world. Opened in 1957, it features a unique circular design with a massive span of 109 meters. The building is a landmark of mid-century Yugoslav modernism and serves as the centerpiece of the Belgrade Fair complex. It is designed to accommodate large-scale international exhibitions, trade shows, and sporting events. The dome is supported by a series of thin-shell concrete arches that create a vast, unobstructed interior space. It remains an active venue for major industry conferences and consumer expos in Serbia. The architecture was engineered by Branko Žeželj, a pioneer in prestressed concrete technology. Its distinct aesthetic makes it one of the most recognizable silhouettes in Belgrade’s cityscape.
From the river bank across the Bulevar vojvode Mišića, where the full curve of the concrete dome is visible.
Check the official event calendar online before your visit to ensure the hall is open for a public exhibition.
Bring comfortable walking shoes as the exhibition floor is expansive.
Plan to explore the surrounding fairground exterior to see the other historical pavilions from the 1950s.
Do not expect the venue to be open for tourism on days when no events are scheduled.
Operating schedule is strictly dependent on the exhibition calendar; often closed to the public between trade shows.
Business casual is recommended during trade events; keep noise levels moderate during professional conferences.
