Condition before the start of the works
The condition of Glavaš's house was very poor until the end of 2006. Damages occurred due to lack of maintenance and exposure to atmospheric conditions. The house had not been used for an extended period, and after a break-in, it was closed and inaccessible to visitors.
The old clay tile roof was in a very bad state, resulting in leaks, deformation of the roof structure, and changes in the roof shape, causing depressions. Gutters and downspouts had collapsed, and atmospheric elements directly contributed to the peeling of plaster. Damage to the walls occurred due to capillary moisture. The facade's plastic elements (pillars with capitals and geometric ornaments on parapets) were in relatively good condition. The existing metal protective grilles on windows and basement covers showed peeling paint and noticeable corrosion. Most window panes were shattered. The entrance gate for vehicles was in very poor condition, with damaged wooden parts and peeling paint. The brick floor in the old-fashioned "herringbone" style in the courtyard had sunk due to settling of the earth foundation, and the wooden steps at the entrance had twisted.
The interior condition was also very poor. Cracks were visible on walls and ceilings due to settling, and wall decorations were damaged in many places. Ceilings were deformed due to leaks, and traces of leakage and exposed attic construction were visible on the ceiling cover. The ship's deck flooring was damaged in some areas. The interior carpentry was in better condition than the exterior but required repair and painting.
Conservation and restoration works
The Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments in Zrenjanin prepared project documentation for the restoration of Glavaš's house in early 2006. The planned works aimed to restore and highlight its design and spatial values. Conservation and restoration works began in October 2006 and progressed in three phases.
In the first phase, the dismantling of the roof structure and covering took place, and a new clay tile roof and roof structure were installed. With new galvanized painted metalwork, the house was protected from further leaks.
The second phase, during the first half of 2007, included works on facades and the interior. After removing damaged plaster, imprints of well-preserved plastic parts were taken, and the lower parts were plastered with restoration mortar, while the upper parts were extended with cement mortar 1:3:9, renewing all damaged parts of plaster plastic. Facades were painted with silicate paints. All metal elements, such as hardware, grilles, and covers, were renewed by removing corrosion and applying metal paint. New outer wings of double windows were installed, and the interior ones were repaired and restored. The entrance gate was also restored by replacing rotten parts and installing new hardware. The carpentry was coated with oil paint and protected with matte lacquer. Windows and interior doors were glazed with colorless single glass. The old brick in the courtyard was rearranged and leveled, and new steps were constructed at the entrance.
Ship's deck floors were restored by removing old paint and refinishing. After documentation, wall decorations were restored to their original state.
In the third phase, works were carried out on landscaping the courtyard and surroundings, as well as the reconstruction of auxiliary buildings that were repurposed into an exhibition space for old tools and agricultural machinery. A new sanitary facility was built at the bottom of the courtyard for museum visitors.
For museum visitors, a small gazebo was built on the plateau at the bottom of the courtyard, modeled after similar ones in Banat.
After the completion of the works, Vladimir Glavaš's house was opened to the public on February 16, 2009, on the 100th anniversary of his death.
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