Museums in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Museums in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Discover the cultural legacy of Bosnia and Herzegovina through its historic museums, exhibitions, and preserved national treasures.
Bosnia and Herzegovina boasts an impressive collection of museums that span ancient civilizations, wartime history, contemporary art, and rich ethnographic heritage. The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, established in 1888, is a cornerstone of cultural preservation, featuring archaeological, ethnological, and natural history exhibits—along with its crown jewel, the Sarajevo Haggadah, one of the most valuable Jewish manuscripts in the world.
The Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a sobering and powerful look into the region’s wartime past, particularly with its renowned exhibit on the 1992–1995 Sarajevo Siege. For a more immersive experience, visit the Tunnel of Salvation (Tunnel D-B), a preserved wartime passage that served as Sarajevo’s lifeline during the blockade. Walking through this original tunnel segment offers a visceral connection to the city’s recent past.
Art lovers can explore the Museum of Contemporary Art – Ars Aevi, home to an outstanding international collection featuring works by Marina Abramović, Jeff Koons, Louise Bourgeois, and other global icons.
Other notable museums include the Sarajevo Museum 1878–1914, located at the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the event that triggered World War I. Beyond Sarajevo, explore cultural institutions across the country such as the Museum of Herzegovina in Mostar, Franciscan Monastery Museum in Ljubuški, Museum of Eastern Herzegovina in Trebinje, and regional museums in cities like Travnik, Banja Luka, Zenica, and Bijeljina.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, art admirer, or cultural explorer, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s museums offer unforgettable insight into the soul of the nation.