War Childhood Museum is an independent, youth-led museum at Logavina 30-32 in Sarajevo‘s old Bistrik-Vratnik hillside quarter, just above Baščaršija. It grew out of the crowd-sourced book War Childhood by Jasminko Halilović, opened in January 2017, and won the Council of Europe Museum Prize in 2018. It describes itself as the world’s only museum focused exclusively on childhoods affected by war. Travelers come for an intimate, deeply personal view of the 1992-1996 Siege of Sarajevo.
What to Expect at War Childhood Museum
The permanent exhibition draws on the Bosnian Collection. It shows personal objects donated by people who were children during the war, including diaries, toys, letters, ballet slippers, drawings and food-aid packaging. Each object is paired with a short first-person story written by its owner. Video and audio testimonies add voices to the displays, and the rooms are quiet and compact, so the effect builds slowly.
The museum also maintains Global and Ukrainian collections. It runs research projects on Syrian child refugees, Gaza and the Srebrenica genocide, so special exhibitions rotate. Labels are in Bosnian and English. A small reception area sells the War Childhood book.
- Personal Objects: Everyday items made precious by the siege, each with its donor’s own story.
- Video Testimonies: Filmed interviews with adults recalling growing up under shelling.
- The War Childhood Book: The 2013 crowd-sourced collection of short memories that inspired the museum.
- Special Exhibitions: Rotating shows such as LISTEN and #ChildrenAndGenocide.
- Living Archive: Visitors can contribute their own memories through the museum’s ongoing research.
War Childhood Museum at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Logavina 30-32, 71000 Sarajevo |
| Neighborhood / Area | Logavina, Stari Grad (above Baščaršija) |
| Operating Hours | Daily 11AM-7PM |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid ($); discounts for students; see official tickets page |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Tram stop Baščaršija (about 7 minutes’ walk); very limited street parking |
| Official Website & Phone | warchildhood.org, +387 33 535-558 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive at the 11AM opening or after 5PM to avoid school and tour groups. You can book tickets online through the official tickets page. From the Baščaršija tram stop, walk uphill on Logavina Street. The lane is steep and cobbled in places, so wear good shoes. Parking in the old town is scarce, so a taxi or walking is easier.
The exhibition is compact. Wheelchair users should contact the museum ahead about entrance steps and the steep approach. Afterward, walk down to Baščaršija and the Sebilj fountain, about 7 minutes away. The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and Brusa Bezistan are within 10 minutes. You can also continue uphill to the Yellow Fortress for sunset views.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the War Childhood Museum open?
It opens daily from 11AM to 7PM. Weekday mornings and late afternoons are the calmest times to visit.
Do I need to book tickets?
Admission is paid and inexpensive, with reduced rates for students. Walk-ins are usually fine, and online booking on the official site is available for groups and busy summer days.
How long should I spend there?
Budget 1 to 1.5 hours to read the stories and watch the testimonies. Allow extra time if a special exhibition is on.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The stories are told from a child’s perspective, without graphic imagery, and work well for school-age children with adult guidance. The uphill approach can be challenging for strollers and wheelchairs.
When planning your Sarajevo travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in Sarajevo, pair this stop with standout local spots including Museum of Optical Illusions Sarajevo, Nanina Kuhinja, Olympic Museum, and Restoran Libertas (0.2 km away).
