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History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo was established in 1945 and stands as a vital institution for preserving the country's national heritage. Its current building is an outstanding example of Yugoslav modernist architecture, completed in 1963 based on the designs of architects Boris Magaš, Edo Šmidihen, and Radovan Horvat. The structure is characterized by its floating glass cube design, situated near the Parliament building. The museum's collections house over 300,000 artifacts, ranging from the medieval era to the modern day. Its most renowned permanent exhibition focuses on the Siege of Sarajevo (1992-1995), documenting the daily life of citizens under extreme wartime conditions. Despite enduring significant physical damage during the conflict and ongoing financial challenges, the museum remains a crucial platform for education and intercultural dialogue within the region.

Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Top sights: Odjeljenje za arheologiju · Biblioteka i uprava · Historical Museum of Bosnia & Herzegovina
Nearby: East Sarajevo (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-2	-1	2	7	12	16	18	18	13	9	4	-1
Rain mm	63	64	69	69	99	103	75	61	77	71	74	73

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The museum is open to visitors and fully accessible. The interior houses an extensive permanent exhibition covering Bosnia's history from antiquity to the present day.

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Typical hours

Typically the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, with usual hours around 10:00 to 18:00. It may be closed on Mondays and public holidays.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in most exhibition halls without flash. Temporary exhibitions may have restrictions; please follow posted signs.

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Time needed

Allow at least two to three hours for the permanent and temporary exhibitions. The rich collections invite thorough exploration.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina or the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque in the old town. Both are within walking distance.

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Getting there

The museum is located in central Sarajevo, easily reachable by tram (lines 3 or 4) or on foot. Parking in the area is limited.

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Insider tip

Visit the museum in the morning to avoid crowds. Ask at the ticket desk about current temporary exhibitions or guided tours.

Geography

Coordinates

43.85530, 18.40190

Facts

The museum was founded in 1945 shortly after World War II.
The iconic modernist building was inaugurated in 1963.
The collection features more than 300,000 historical items.
The 'Sarajevo Under Siege' exhibit is the museum's centerpiece.
The building was designated a National Monument in 2012.
It was designed by the acclaimed architect Boris Magaš.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Botanical Garden of Sarajevo<1 km · SExplore →

Eternal Flame2 km · EExplore →

Sarajevo Zoo2 km · NEExplore →

White Fortress3 km · EExplore →

Trebević Protected Landscape4 km · SEExplore →

East Sarajevo4 km · SWExplore →

Briješće6 km · WExplore →

Lukavica6 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina (10)

Odjeljenje za arheologiju 🏛 museum

Archaeology department of the History Museum, displaying finds from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

🕒 Mo off; Tu-Fr 10:00-19:00; Sa-Su 10:00-18:00💶

Biblioteka i uprava 🏛 museum

Library and administration of the History Museum, housing specialist literature and archives.

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Historical Museum of Bosnia & Herzegovina🏛 museum

Museum in Sarajevo, documenting Bosnia's history from antiquity to the present.

Ars Aevi Bridge

Bridge in Sarajevo, connecting districts and part of the Ars Aevi art project.

Stećak of Zgošća replica

Replica of a medieval stećak tombstone from Zgošća, typical for the region.

Crkva svetog Josipa

Church in Sarajevo, Catholic place of worship in the Stari Grad district.

Most Suade Dilberović i Olge Sučić

Bridge over the Miljacka in Sarajevo, named after two women.

Magribija

Mosque in Sarajevo, serving the Muslim community for prayer.

Prof. Dr. Nijaz Duraković Park🌳 park

Park in Sarajevo, named after a Bosnian politician and sociologist.

Hram Preobraženja Gospodnjeg

Church building in Novo Sarajevo, Orthodox church of the Transfiguration.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the museum?

It focuses on the history of Bosnia, especially the Siege of Sarajevo (1992-1995).

How much does the entrance ticket cost?

The ticket price is around 5 KM (approx. 2.50 EUR) for adults.

What are the opening hours?

Usually open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, including weekends.

Are there any exhibits outside?

Yes, tanks and heavy artillery from WWII and the Bosnian War are displayed in front of the building.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

Access is partially limited; the socialist-era building has many stairs.

History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina: where is it located?

History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina: what is there to see?

Highlights include Odjeljenje za arheologiju, Biblioteka i uprava, Historical Museum of Bosnia & Herzegovina.

History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina: why is it worth visiting?

The History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo was established in 1945 and stands as a vital institution for preserving the country's national heritage.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Best time to visit & climate