History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the country’s leading museum of modern history, located at Zmaja od Bosne 5 in Sarajevo‘s Marijin Dvor district. Founded in 1945 as the Museum of National Liberation, it moved in 1963 into a landmark modernist pavilion designed by Boris Magaš, Edo Šmidihen and Radovan Horvat. Travelers visit for its frank, personal account of the 1992–1995 siege of Sarajevo.
What to Expect at History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The core permanent exhibition, Surrounded: Sarajevo 1992–1995, tells the siege through everyday objects donated by residents. These include improvised stoves, homemade water carriers, humanitarian aid cans, handmade clothing and wartime letters. The approach is intimate rather than military, showing how families cooked, studied and survived under shelling.
The building is part of the story. It is a cube of glass and marble raised on a recessed base, and it is one of Yugoslavia’s most admired modernist museums. War damage and years of underfunding remain visible inside, and the museum has publicly warned about the building’s condition. Rotating temporary exhibitions, a research library and a small museum shop complete the visit. The quirky Tito-themed café sits behind the building.
- Surrounded: Sarajevo 1992–1995: Personal artifacts from the 1,425-day siege, donated by local residents.
- Modernist Pavilion: A 1963 glass-and-marble building and a key example of Yugoslav architecture.
- Temporary Exhibitions: Changing shows on Bosnian history, memory and social cohesion.
- Research Library: Specialist holdings on Bosnian and Yugoslav history, open to researchers by arrangement.
- Museum Shop: Books, posters and siege-themed souvenirs that support the museum.
History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Zmaja od Bosne 5, 71000 Sarajevo |
| Neighborhood / Area | Marijin Dvor, Centar |
| Operating Hours | Daily 9AM–7PM |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid, low-cost entry ($) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Tram stop Muzeji on Zmaja od Bosne; limited street parking |
| Official Website & Phone | muzej.ba, +387 33 226-098 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive at 9AM or after 4PM to avoid school groups and tour buses. Trams running west from Baščaršija along Zmaja od Bosne stop at Muzeji, directly outside, in about 15 minutes. Groups should pre-register using the booking form on the official website. The main siege exhibition is on a single open level, but some areas have steps and uneven floors, so wheelchair users should call ahead.
Next door is the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, home of the Sarajevo Haggadah. The Holiday Inn, a famous wartime press base, stands across the boulevard. Vilsonovo šetalište, a riverside promenade, is a ten-minute walk south.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours?
The museum opens daily from 9AM to 7PM. Early mornings are the quietest time to visit.
How much are tickets?
Admission is paid but inexpensive, and tickets are bought at the door. Groups should book in advance through muzej.ba.
How long should I spend?
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the siege exhibition and temporary shows. Add time for the café or the neighboring National Museum.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, though the war content is emotionally heavy. School programs run regularly, and most older children find the everyday objects compelling.
When planning your Sarajevo travel guide or comparing verified attractions and history museum in Sarajevo, pair this stop with standout local spots including Hotel Sana, Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures, Sarajevo VRX Immersive Museum, and The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina (0.1 km away).
