War Childhood Museum
A poignant museum showcasing the Bosnian War through the eyes of children, featuring personal objects and powerful stories of resilience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection time
War Childhood Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A poignant museum showcasing the Bosnian War through the eyes of children, featuring personal objects and powerful stories of resilience.
"A heartbreaking and fulfilling museum, my favorite in Sarajevo."
Allocate 1-2 Hours
Give yourself ample time to read stories and reflect. It's more than just looking at objects.
Consider Your Companions
Powerful themes; best for older children or adults. Staff can assist with younger ones.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Objects Cherished by Children
Main Exhibition Hall
See the personal belongings that brought comfort and hope to children during the war. A truly poignant display.
Interactive Childhood Reflection
Entrance Hall
Engage with questions about your own childhood before diving into the war experiences. A powerful icebreaker.
Stories of Resilience
Throughout the museum
Hear the voices of children who maintained hope and found ways to be children amidst conflict.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for an Emotional Journey
Allocate Ample Time for Reflection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Which museum in Sarajevo is the best?
Allocate 1-2 Hours
Give yourself ample time to read stories and reflect. It's more than just looking at objects.
Consider Your Companions
Powerful themes; best for older children or adults. Staff can assist with younger ones.
Buy the Book!
The museum is based on a book by the founder. A great souvenir to continue the experience.
Engage with the Intro
The initial interactive section sets a profound tone for the rest of the visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate 1-2 Hours
Give yourself ample time to read stories and reflect. It's more than just looking at objects.
Consider Your Companions
Powerful themes; best for older children or adults. Staff can assist with younger ones.
Buy the Book!
The museum is based on a book by the founder. A great souvenir to continue the experience.
Engage with the Intro
The initial interactive section sets a profound tone for the rest of the visit.
Ask Staff for Insights
Staff are helpful and can provide context in English.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the War Childhood Museum as profoundly moving and a must-visit for its unique perspective on the Bosnian War through children's eyes. The personal objects and stories evoke strong emotions, highlighting both suffering and remarkable resilience. While emotionally impactful, the museum is praised for its thoughtful curation and the opportunity for personal reflection.
"Simply profound! Took my 7 year old and they have some interactive exhibits in entrance, greatly helpful staff that helped us in English, and the exhibits were powerful. There is a nook for coloring and reading books so we were able to sit there after the museum and read and color! Very much worth a trip!"
Emily Hall
"A heartbreaking and fulfilling museum. When you first enter, you're shown into a hall that asks you questions about your own childhood. Once you reflect on that, you're brought into an exhibit containing the objects cherished by children at war, and seeing the difference in your own peaceful childhood to that of these children was heartbreaking. But it's also beautiful to see how children maintained hope during war. The exhibit changed every year but when I went they also had the stories of Palestinian and Ukrainian children. It's a beautifully poignant museum and my favorite in Sarajevo. If you can only go to one of the many museums in the city, I highly recommend this one. The museum was based on a book written by its founder that has all these stories, so I recommend buying it as a souvenir."
Deborah Banketa
"The collection is small (they only have 50 items on display at any given time) but incredibly moving. Each exhibit carries an immense weight of suffering, or of hope. Must visit for anyone interested in a non academic POV of the war."
Sourav Ghosh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Sarajevo, making it easily accessible. Many visitors walk from other city attractions. Trams and buses also serve the area. Check local transport apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
Street parking can be challenging in central Sarajevo. It's often recommended to use public transport or a taxi. If driving, look for paid parking garages in the vicinity.
Absolutely! It's often recommended alongside the Srebrenica, National, or History museums. The Olympic Museum is also nearby.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media pages before your visit. Generally, they are open daily, but specific times should be confirmed.
Admission fees are typically very reasonable, reflecting the museum's mission. Check their official website for current ticket prices.
For most visitors, booking in advance isn't strictly necessary, especially during off-peak times. However, if you're visiting during a busy season or with a large group, it might be wise to inquire about reservations.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is usually available on the museum's website. It's always worth checking for potential savings.
While the museum is housed in an older building, efforts are often made to improve accessibility. It's recommended to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific accessibility features.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend between 1 to 2 hours to fully absorb the exhibits and read the stories. The interactive entrance also invites personal reflection time.
Many visitors find the 'Objects Cherished by Children' exhibit particularly moving, showcasing personal items that provided comfort during the war. The initial interactive section is also frequently cited as profound.
Yes, the entrance features interactive exhibits that prompt reflection on one's own childhood. There's also a nook for coloring and reading, making it a bit more accommodating for younger visitors after the main exhibits.
Photography policies can vary. It's generally advisable to check for signage within the museum or ask staff. Often, personal photography without flash is permitted, but commercial use is restricted.
The museum shares personal testimonies and experiences of children who lived through the Bosnian War, focusing on their resilience, hopes, and the impact of conflict on their lives. Stories from other conflicts, like Palestine and Ukraine, have also been featured.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Typically, museums of this nature do not have extensive dining facilities. There might be a small area for refreshments, but it's best to plan meals before or after your visit.
The museum is in a central Sarajevo location, surrounded by numerous cafes and restaurants offering local Bosnian cuisine and international options. You'll find plenty of choices within walking distance.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can change, but generally, personal photos without flash are often permitted. Always look for signs or ask museum staff to be sure.
While the exhibits are deeply personal and meant for reflection, the entrance hall's interactive elements and the display of children's objects can be poignant subjects. Focus on capturing the emotional resonance rather than typical tourist shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to note that the museum's content is powerful and can be emotionally challenging. Parents should consider the maturity of their children. While some visitors have taken older children (around 7 years and up) and found it beneficial with staff assistance, it's best suited for those who can process difficult themes. The staff are noted for being helpful and able to assist with English explanations, which can be invaluable for families.
🤔 Thoughtful Travelers
This museum is highly recommended if you can only visit one in Sarajevo, as it offers something truly distinct. It's a place for reflection, empathy, and understanding the resilience of the human spirit. Be prepared for an emotional journey, but one that is ultimately fulfilling and thought-provoking.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Power of Personal Objects
Visitors often describe feeling a profound connection to these items, recognizing the universal need for comfort and play, even in the most dire circumstances. The museum's founder, through his book and subsequent museum, has meticulously gathered these narratives, ensuring that the voices of children are heard. The exhibit has also evolved to include stories from children in other conflict zones, highlighting the shared experiences of childhood disrupted by war.
This focus on personal narrative and tangible objects makes the museum incredibly impactful. It bypasses dry historical accounts and speaks directly to the heart, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the human cost of conflict. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of childhood memories.
An Emotional and Reflective Experience
Many reviewers emphasize that the museum is not just about sadness; it's also about hope and resilience. Seeing how children maintained their spirit, found joy in small things, and dreamed of a better future amidst destruction is a recurring theme in visitor feedback. The museum skillfully balances the gravity of the war with the indomitable spirit of childhood.
This emotional depth is what makes the War Childhood Museum a standout experience in Sarajevo. It's a place that stays with you long after you leave, prompting contemplation on the nature of war, childhood, and the importance of peace. It's highly recommended for anyone seeking a meaningful and unforgettable museum visit.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit