The War Childhood Museum in Sarajevo is a unique historical institution dedicated to documenting and preserving the experiences of children who grew up during armed conflicts. Founded by Jasminko Halilović, the museum houses a vast collection of personal items, journals, photographs, and oral histories donated by individuals who were children during the Bosnian War and other global conflicts.
Through its exhibits, the museum provides a deeply personal perspective on the impact of war, focusing on the resilience and daily lives of youth rather than military strategy. It serves as both a memorial and an educational space, aiming to foster empathy and understanding regarding the long-term psychological and social consequences of war on younger generations.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Glass, Steel, Concrete
- Civilization
- Contemporary
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Date(s)
- 2017
- Condition
- Active
- Original Function
- Museum
- Key Figures
- Jasminko Halilović
Origins and Research
2010-2016The project began as a research initiative by Jasminko Halilović, who collected testimonies from over 1,000 people who were children during the Bosnian War. This research culminated in the publication of a book, which eventually laid the foundation for the physical museum.
Museum Establishment
2017The War Childhood Museum officially opened its doors in Sarajevo in January 2017. It was established to provide a permanent home for the growing collection of artifacts and to expand its scope to include the experiences of children from other conflict zones worldwide.
International Expansion
2018-PresentThe museum has since gained international recognition, receiving the Council of Europe Museum Prize in 2018. It continues to curate traveling exhibitions and expand its archive to include stories from conflicts in Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and beyond.
Cultural Significance
The museum is a significant site for post-conflict reconciliation and education in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By centering the narrative on the lived experiences of children, it challenges traditional, state-centric historical accounts of the Bosnian War, emphasizing the universal human cost of conflict.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
Discussions surrounding the museum often focus on the ethics of displaying traumatic personal artifacts and the challenges of balancing objective historical documentation with the subjective, emotional nature of individual testimonies.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open daily. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online. Guided tours are available for groups upon request.
Best Times to Visit
Weekdays during the morning hours are generally quieter, allowing for a more reflective experience.
Photography
Personal photography is permitted for non-commercial use. Flash photography is prohibited to protect sensitive artifacts.
Nearby POIs
18 shownKey Facts
- Materials
- Glass, Steel, Concrete
- Civilization
- Contemporary
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible