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Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is housed within the venerable stone walls of the Old Synagogue (Il Kal Grandi) in Sarajevo, serving as one of the country's most significant cultural institutions. The synagogue was originally built in 1581, shortly after Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain and Portugal in the late 15th century found a safe haven in the religiously tolerant Ottoman-ruled city. The massive, fortress-like stone building endured several devastating city fires over the centuries before finally being transformed into a museum in 1966. The multi-level exhibition meticulously documents the rich 450-year history, cultural heritage, and peaceful coexistence of the Jewish community alongside other religions in Bosnia. A deeply poignant section of the museum is dedicated to commemorating the victims of the Holocaust during World War II. One of the absolute highlights of the expansive collection is a high-quality facsimile of the world-renowned Sarajevo Haggadah, one of the oldest surviving Sephardic manuscripts. The museum stands as a living monument to the profound Jewish contribution to Sarajevo's diverse identity.
- Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Top sights: Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures · Galerija Novi Hram · Museum of the Jews of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Nearby: East Sarajevo (6 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
Geography
Facts
- The Old Synagogue was constructed in 1581 by Sephardic Jewish refugees
- The building suffered extensive damage in massive fires in 1697 and 1788
- Opened as a museum in 1966 to mark the 400th anniversary of Jewish arrival
- During World War II, occupying forces used the building as a prison
- Houses a massive memorial book listing 12,000 local Holocaust victims
- Displays authentic liturgical items and historical everyday artifacts
- Centrally located within the historic Baščaršija district of Sarajevo
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina (10)
Galerija Novi Hram
Art museum in Bosnia and Herzegovina, showcasing contemporary works and cultural exhibitions.
Sarajevo Clock Tower
Freestanding clock tower in Sarajevo, a landmark of the old town with Ottoman origins.
Tašlihan
Archaeological site in Sarajevo, remains of a 16th-century Ottoman caravanserai.
Museum of Crimes against Humanity and Genocide 1992-1995🏛 museum
Museum in Sarajevo commemorating crimes and genocide during the Bosnian war.
Gazi Husrev Bey's (Kuršumli) Madrasa
Cultural property in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a historic Quran school from the 16th century.
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
Mosque in Sarajevo, a masterpiece of 16th-century Ottoman architecture.
Gallery 11/07/95🏛 museum
Gallery in Sarajevo focusing on remembrance of events from the Bosnian war.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
In which building is the museum located?
What are the main focuses of the exhibition?
Where in Sarajevo is the museum located?
What are the admission prices?
How much time should I plan for the visit?
Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina: where is it located?
Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina: what is there to see?
Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina: when is the best time to visit?
Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
