Mostar,Bosnia and Herzegovina

Museum Of War And Genocide Victims

MuseumOpenModern

The Museum of War and Genocide Victims in Mostar is a dedicated space focused on documenting the 1992–1995 Bosnian War. Through a collection of personal artifacts, photographs, and oral testimonies, the museum provides a narrative of the conflict from the perspective of survivors and victims, aiming to preserve the memory of the events that shaped the region.

The exhibition space serves as an educational resource, detailing the human cost of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By centering individual stories and historical documentation, the museum facilitates a deeper understanding of the trauma and resilience experienced by the local population during the collapse of Yugoslavia.

Key Facts

Materials
Concrete, Glass, Paper
Civilization
Bosnian
Accessibility
Ground floor access
Date(s)
2017
Condition
Active
Original Function
Museum
Key Figures

Establishment

2017

The museum was established to address the need for a dedicated space in Mostar to document the atrocities of the Bosnian War and the experiences of those who lived through the siege and subsequent conflict.

Curatorial Focus

2017-Present

The collection has grown to include a wide array of personal items donated by survivors, alongside archival photographs and video testimonies that provide a chronological and thematic account of the war years.

Educational Role

Present

The museum continues to function as a site of memory and education, hosting visitors and researchers interested in the history of the 1990s conflicts in the Balkans.

Cultural Significance

The museum plays a critical role in the post-war landscape of Mostar, acting as a repository for collective memory. It provides a platform for voices that might otherwise be marginalized in official historical narratives, contributing to the ongoing process of reconciliation and historical awareness in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Interpretive Notes

Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty

There is ongoing academic discussion regarding the role of 'memory museums' in post-conflict societies, specifically concerning how to balance the presentation of traumatic personal narratives with broader geopolitical historical analysis.

Visiting Information

Entry Rules

Open daily. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Modest behavior is expected given the sensitive nature of the exhibits.

Best Times to Visit

Weekday mornings are generally quieter, allowing for a more reflective experience.

Photography

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but visitors are asked to be respectful of the sensitive nature of the artifacts on display.

Preservation Notes

Please do not touch the artifacts or display cases. Maintain a quiet demeanor to respect the solemn atmosphere of the museum.

Nearby POIs

11 shown

Sources & Further Reading

  1. [1]
    The Bosnian War: A History — Robert J. Donia. University of Michigan Press (2006)
  2. [2]
    Museums and the Memory of War in Bosnia — Valery Perry. Journal of Balkan Studies (2019)