Technology to the People

What did technology bring to the people?  How did life in Yugoslavia change when radios and television sets came into homes and kitchens became unimaginable without modern electrical appliances?  How did it affect day-to-day life – socialising, free time, shopping and spending?  Was technology an important resource for building a free society and a brighter future for SFR Yugoslavia?

Technology to the People presents the development of technology for everyday use in Yugoslavia from the mid-1950s to the mid-1970s.  During the period covered by the exhibition, a new image of socialism was constructed – a new ideal of a happy socialist Yugoslavia.  Household appliances, cars and television sets were in the front line of changes in the daily life of Yugoslavia.

The main aim in preparing this exhibition was to identify the social, economic and political circumstances which led to the emergence of a consumer mentality.  Through archival documents, photographs, museum items, video recordings and popular science magazines it shows the moments in the history of Yugoslav society in which the mass adoption of technology made the deepest impression: electronics in day-to-day life and the development of the electronics industry, technology fairs and a futuristic vision of progress.

Visitors will be able to discover the ways in which the socialist leadership brought technology to the nation and how the mass use of small household appliances, radio, television and cars shaped life and changed habits and customs forever.

The exhibition will be open until August 26, from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., every day except Mondays.

Exhibition curator: Ivan Manojlović

Professional associates: Jovana Nedeljković, Tatomir Toroman, Radovan Cukić

Exhibit design: Ivan Benussi