THE Nikola Tesla Museum has officially opened the exhibition “Tesla – Spark of Genius” at the former Rankine Hydroelectric Power Plant on the Canadian side of the majestic Niagara Falls. This unique exhibition, realized in collaboration with the Niagara Parks Commission, celebrates Tesla’s revolutionary use of alternating current, which here transformed the natural force of water into a source of light and progress for the entire world.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Niagara Parks David Adams and Bob Gale, the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Canada H.E. Dejan Ralević, and the Director of the Nikola Tesla Museum Ivona Jevtić. The opening was also attended by First Counselor Sandra Hadžagić, Consul Jelena Srdanović Đelebđić, many representatives of the Serbian community in Canada, as well as representatives of the media.
H.E. Dejan Ralević, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Canada, officially opened the exhibition by addressing the guests:
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and admirers of genius,
Welcome to a truly electrifying occasion! Today, we gather at this iconic site—Niagara Falls—where history, innovation, and sheer brilliance collide. We are here to honor a man whose mind was so far ahead of his time that, quite frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if he knew we were all coming here today.
Nikola Tesla once said, “The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine.” Well, standing here in 2025, surrounded by the very power he helped harness over a century ago, I think we can all agree—this future is his.
This exhibition, a collaboration between the Niagara Parks Commission and the Nikola Tesla Museum from Belgrade, is more than just a tribute to Tesla's genius—it's an opportunity to step into his world, to witness the visionary ideas that lit up civilization, and to appreciate the man whose contributions are still shaping our daily lives.
Seven of Tesla's countless patents were embedded in the Niagara power plant, making this location a living monument to his ingenuity. These patents were crucial in enabling the world's first large-scale alternating current power system, proving the superiority of AC over direct current (DC), which Thomas Edison championed. In the late 19th century, when others saw an impossible challenge, Tesla saw an opportunity to prove that alternating current could power the world. And he did so—right here. If you've ever flipped a light switch, charge your phone, or even just walked around without tripping over gas lamps, you have Tesla to thank.
But beyond celebrating one brilliant mind, this exhibition is also a reminder of the deep and lasting connections between Serbia and Canada. The Serbian community in Niagara and Ontario has long been a bridge between our two nations, carrying with it a rich heritage of perseverance, ingenuity, and cultural pride. Just as Tesla's ideas continue to light up the world, the Serbian community continues to strengthen the bonds of friendship between our peoples, proving that innovation isn't just about technology—it's about bringing people together.
Tesla was more than just an inventor—he was a dreamer, a showman, and, let's be honest, probably the only scientist in history to make a pigeon the love of his life.
Through this exhibition, we hope to bring you closer to his mind, his work, and his relentless pursuit of a better future. Whether you're an engineer, a history buff, or just someone who enjoys a good lightning bolt, this experience is for you.
So, as we celebrate this extraordinary man and his legacy, let's remember that innovation isn't just about creating something new—it's about daring to imagine what others think is impossible. And thanks to Tesla—and to the spirit of those who keep his legacy alive—we know that the impossible is always within reach.
With that, I invite you all to step into the world of Tesla. May it spark your curiosity, charge your imagination, and, if we've done this right, leave you absolutely buzzing with inspiration.
Thank you!"
The exhibition will be open to visitors from March 8 to October 13, 2025.
