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War Child Museum

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War Child Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

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The War Childhood Museum in Sarajevo is a globally unique and profoundly moving institution dedicated entirely to documenting the lived experiences of children growing up in war zones. Opened to the public in January 2017, the museum was inspired by the eponymous book written by Bosnian activist Jasminko Halilović, who compiled personal memories of those who came of age during the 1990s siege of Sarajevo. The exhibition deliberately eschews military or political narratives, focusing instead on the poignant personal belongings of the survivors, ranging from diaries, drawings, and half-burnt toys to improvised musical instruments and items of clothing. Each displayed artifact is accompanied by a short, personal story written by its owner. Today, the museum has expanded its scope beyond Bosnia to collect memorabilia from children affected by global conflicts, including those in Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. In 2018, the museum was honored with the prestigious Council of Europe Museum Prize, underscoring its exceptional educational value and profound social impact.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-2-127121618181394-1
Rain mm6364696999103756177717473

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The War Child Museum in Sarajevo is a modern museum that can be visited indoors. It features moving exhibitions about children's experiences during the Bosnian War.
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Typical hours
The museum is typically open on most days, usually from 10 am to 6 pm. On holidays, access may be limited, so check ahead.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed in exhibition areas without flash. Please respect the privacy of the individuals depicted and refrain from using flash.
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Time needed
Allow about 1 to 2 hours for a thorough visit of the exhibitions. The moving stories invite lingering and reflection.
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Combine with
Combine the museum visit with other Sarajevo sights like Baščaršija or the Tunnel of Survival. The city center is within walking distance.
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Getting there
The museum is located in central Sarajevo and is easily reachable on foot from Baščaršija Square. Alternatively, take the tram to the „Skenderija” stop.
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Insider tip
Buy your entry ticket online in advance to avoid queues. Take time for the audio guides, which provide additional background information.

Geography

Coordinates
43.86140, 18.42780

Facts

  • The museum officially opened its doors on January 28, 2017
  • Founded using the personal memories of over 1,000 individuals
  • Awarded the prestigious Council of Europe Museum Prize in 2018
  • The archive preserves more than 3,000 deeply personal artifacts
  • Features exhibits from Bosnia, Ukraine, Syria, and Afghanistan
  • Contains over 100 hours of recorded video testimonies from survivors
  • Founder Jasminko Halilović initially started the project as an online platform

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Gazi Husrev-beg MosqueGazi Husrev-beg Mosque<1 km · SEExplore →
Sarajevo ZooSarajevo Zoo2 km · NWExplore →
Istočni Stari GradIstočni Stari Grad2 km · EExplore →
National Museum of Bosnia and HerzegovinaNational Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina2 km · WExplore →
Trebević Protected LandscapeTrebević Protected Landscape3 km · SExplore →
East SarajevoEast Sarajevo6 km · SWExplore →
LukavicaLukavica8 km · SWExplore →
BriješćeBriješće8 km · WExplore →

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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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town War Child Museum (10)

Museum of Sarajevo🏛 museum

Museum in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, presents city history from antiquity to the present.

War childhood museum🏛 museum

Museum in Sarajevo, focuses on children's experiences during the Bosnian war.

🕒 Mo-Su 11:00-19:00♿💶

Svrzo's House🏛 museum

Old house in Sarajevo, traditional Ottoman residence from the 18th century.

Galerija Novi Hram

Art museum in Bosnia and Herzegovina, displays contemporary art in a former synagogue.

🕒 Mo-Fr 14:00-19:00; Su 10:00-14:00

Gazi Husrev Bey's (Kuršumli) Madrasa

Cultural heritage site in Bosnia and Herzegovina, historic Quranic school from the 16th century.

Gazi Khusrev-beg's Khanqa

Former dervish monastery in Sarajevo, part of the 16th-century Islamic complex.

Old Orthodox Church

Orthodox church in Sarajevo, oldest surviving church in the city, with iconostasis.

Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures

Spot in Sarajevo where eastern and western cultures meet, symbolic point.

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Ottoman mosque in Sarajevo, built in the 16th century, central place of worship in the old town.

Ferhadija Mosque

Mosque in Sarajevo, built in the 16th century, known for its architecture.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is this museum about?
It displays personal items and stories of children who grew up during the Bosnian War.
How much is the entrance fee?
Adults pay about 10 KM; students and groups receive discounts.
Where is the museum located?
At Logavina Street 32, just a short walk from Baščaršija.
What are the opening hours?
Open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes, it is sensitively designed, but it can be emotionally heavy for younger children.
War Child Museum: where is it located?
War Child Museum is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
War Child Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museum of Sarajevo, War childhood museum, Svrzo's House.
War Child Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
War Child Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The War Childhood Museum in Sarajevo is a globally unique and profoundly moving institution dedicated entirely to documenting the lived experiences of children growing up in war zones.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Nearby cities

East Sarajevo — War Child Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
East Sarajevo
East Sarajevo is a city in Republika Srpska adjacent to the city of Sarajevo.
Lukavica — War Child Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Lukavica
Lukavica is an administrative center in Republika Srpska, which forms a large part of East Sarajevo.
Briješće — War Child Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Briješće
Briješće is a settlement in the Novi Grad municipality, a suburb of the capital Sarajevo.
Roca — War Child Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Roca
Roca is a small settlement in Central Bosnia.
Ilidža — War Child Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Ilidža
Ilidža is a municipality in the Sarajevo Canton and a major health resort.
Visoko — War Child Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Visoko
Visoko is located northwest of Sarajevo at the confluence of the Bosna and Fojnička rivers.
Konjic — War Child Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Konjic
Konjic is located on the Neretva River, roughly halfway between Sarajevo and Mostar.
Foča — War Child Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Foča
Foča is located in the east of the country at the confluence of the Drina and Ćehotina rivers.
Zavidovići — War Child Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Zavidovići
Zavidovići is located at the confluence of the Bosna, Krivaja, and Gostović rivers.
Živinice — War Child Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Živinice
Živinice is a city in northeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, near Tuzla.
Kakanj (settlement) — War Child Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Kakanj (settlement)
Kakanj is an industrial city in the Zenica-Doboj Canton.
Kakanj — War Child Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Kakanj
Kakanj is an industrial city in central Bosnia, located along the Sarajevo-Zenica highway.
Novi Travnik — War Child Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Novi Travnik
Novi Travnik was founded after World War II as an industrial town in central Bosnia.
Žepče — War Child Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Žepče
A charming town in the valley of the Bosna river, surrounded by mountains and known for its multicultural heritage and natural beauty.
Kiseljak — War Child Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Kiseljak
Kiseljak is located in central Bosnia and is famous for its natural mineral water.

More places

Old Town Visoki — War Child Museum (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Old Town Visoki
Visoki was a royal castle and the capital of the medieval Bosnian state.