Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Historical Museum of Bosnia-Herzegovina (Historijski Muzej BiH)
Filling a still-bombed-out-feeling, Tito-era building next to the National Museum, this mu-
seum features a very small and ramshackle but fascinating exhibit explaining the Siege of
Sarajevo—if you take the time to examine and appreciate the items and photos. While there
are some English labels, they're sparse, and it helps to have a Sarajevan explain the items
firsthand; this is a good place to come with a local guide.
Cost and Hours:
5 KM, dry 10-KM book, Mon-Fri 9:00-19:00, Sat-Sun 9:00-14:00,
Zmaja od Bosne 5, tel. 033/226-098,
www.muzej.ba
.
Visiting the Museum:
Formerly the “Museum of the Revolution,” the building's stair-
well still features Socialist Realist mosaics from the communist period, and a statue of Tito
stands in the inner courtyard. Head upstairs to see the exhibit. Note that the collection is in
flux, and they're hoping to secure funding that would help them install a more modern ex-
hibit.
In the middle of the main hall, you'll likely find an exhibit about the war crimes tribunal
in The Hague, with good English explanations and an engaging film that illuminates the
process.Allaroundisthe
“Sarajevo Surrounded”
exhibit,withlotsofartifactsfromsiege-
time Sarajevo. Follow the chronological exhibit, which uses photographs, news clippings,
andotheritemstotellthestoryofthesiege.Mostilluminatingarethemanyactualitemsthat
show how Sarajevans improvised ways to carry on during the three and a half years under
siege. For example, look for photos of the “Sarafix” technique—invented here, out of ne-
cessity—whichalloweddoctorstosetabrokenbonewithametalframewithpinsinsteadof
a traditional cast. The display of cigarettes explains how smokes were used as a sort of cur-
rency; even through the siege, the local cigarette factory kept working, though the product
sometimes had to be packaged in makeshift wrappers.
