Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide - Image 1

Sarajevo,Bosnia and Herzegovina

Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide

MuseumOpenModernPost-Conflict

The Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide in Sarajevo is a specialized institution dedicated to documenting the systematic atrocities committed during the Bosnian War (1992–1995). The museum serves as a repository for personal belongings, witness testimonies, and physical evidence recovered from mass graves, aiming to preserve the memory of victims and provide an educational resource regarding the nature of genocide.

Through a collection of artifacts and multimedia displays, the museum highlights the human cost of the conflict and the mechanisms of ethnic cleansing. It functions as both a memorial site and a research center, emphasizing the importance of historical documentation in the pursuit of justice and reconciliation in the post-conflict Balkans.

Key Facts

Materials
Concrete, Glass, Steel
Civilization
Bosnian
Accessibility
Ground floor access available
Date(s)
2016
Condition
Active
Original Function
Museum and Memorial
Key Figures
Jasmin Meskovic

Establishment

2016

The museum was founded by a group of survivors and researchers to address the need for a dedicated space to archive evidence of the war crimes committed during the 1990s, specifically focusing on the Srebrenica genocide and the siege of Sarajevo.

Collection Development

2016-Present

Since its opening, the museum has continuously expanded its collection through donations from families of victims and the integration of archival materials from international criminal tribunals, ensuring that personal narratives remain at the forefront of the exhibition.

Educational Outreach

Modern Era

The institution has become a focal point for international researchers and students, facilitating workshops and seminars that examine the sociological and political factors that led to the conflict, while advocating for the prevention of future genocides.

Cultural Significance

The museum plays a critical role in the collective memory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, acting as a counter-narrative to historical revisionism. It provides a space for survivors to share their experiences and for the international community to engage with the realities of the Bosnian War, reinforcing the necessity of truth-telling in the peace-building process.

Interpretive Notes

Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty

Discussions surrounding the museum often involve the challenges of representing traumatic history and the ethical implications of displaying personal artifacts from genocide victims. Scholars debate the balance between maintaining a neutral historical record and the emotional impact of the exhibits on visitors.

Visiting Information

Entry Rules

Open daily. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Visitors are expected to maintain a respectful demeanor given the sensitive nature of the exhibits.

Best Times to Visit

Weekdays during morning hours are generally less crowded, allowing for a more reflective experience.

Photography

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but flash and video recording may be restricted in certain sensitive galleries.

Preservation Notes

Please refrain from touching the artifacts or displays. The museum environment is climate-controlled to preserve delicate personal items.

Nearby POIs

11 shown

Sources & Further Reading

  1. [1]
    The Bosnian War: A History — Robert J. Donia. University of Michigan Press (2006)
  2. [2]
    Genocide in Bosnia: The Policy of 'Ethnic Cleansing' — Norman Cigar. Texas A&M University Press (1995)