The renovation of Ban Josip Jelačić's birthplace in Novi Sad, Serbia, is set to begin next month and is expected to be completed by the end of the year, according to a Serbian official. The Serbian government, on the initiative of President Aleksandar Vučić, is financing the acquisition and renovation of the birthplace. After 75 years, the house was returned to the Croatian community in Serbia last year, with the Serbian government donating 600,000 euros for the acquisition of 350 square meters.

Jasna Vojnić, president of the Croatian National Council (HNV) in Serbia, and Siniša Jokić, director of the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments in Novi Sad, signed an agreement in Subotica to commence the public procurement process. The renovation covers 264 square meters on the first floor and 80 square meters on the second level, with an additional 100,000 euros allocated from the national budget for the works.

"Ban Josip Jelačić is not only an important figure for the Croatian community; many believed in his cause and fought for a harmonious coexistence. We believe this house can be a bridge between the Serbian and Croatian peoples, representing a transition from our shared past to a common future," emphasized Vojnić.

Siniša Jokić noted that Serbia and Croatia share many historical touchpoints and figures. "His birthplace is one of the most beautiful houses in Novi Sad, on Petrovaradin. It’s historically and architecturally significant. For the last 70 years, both Serbian and Croatian people lived in a common state, and now we have interwoven cultural and civilizational values that need to be nurtured. We have already renovated the roof and facade, and now we are moving on to the interior. We want to restore it to its original condition as much as possible," Jokić stated.

Darko Vuković, vice president of the HNV responsible for Srem and a member of the newly established Foundation of the Memorial House of Ban Josip Jelačić, will oversee the interior design of the house. "Together with architect Dr. Darko Polić, we have decided on solutions for the interior. A particularly interesting space will be the main exhibition area, designed to support musical activities, round tables, and other gatherings. Smaller rooms will serve as the Croatian consulate and HNV offices. We aim for the memorial house to become a modern cultural center in Novi Sad, which is ambitious given the many cultural venues we already have. This year, Novi Sad will be the cultural capital, and the cultural center will be open to guests from around the world," Vuković explained.