…Discover the Emotional Journey of Childhood During Wartime…
Nestled in the historic heart of Sarajevo, the War Childhood Museum offers a poignant and deeply moving glimpse into the lives of children who grew up amidst the turmoil of the Bosnian War (1992–1996). Opened in January 2017, this unique museum has garnered international acclaim, winning the prestigious Museum Prize of the Council of Europe in 2018.
The museum’s exhibits tell powerful and emotional stories of resilience, courage, and survival, presenting a perspective of war often overlooked — that of children.
Its foundation lies in years of meticulous work that began in 2010, when author Jasminko Halilović started collecting materials for his book, “Childhood in War: Sarajevo 1992–1995“, published in 2013. The book, translated into several languages, laid the groundwork for the museum’s extraordinary collection.
A Collection of Stories, Objects, and Memories
The museum’s collection includes over 4,000 artifacts, each accompanied by a personal story. Visitors will encounter items such as Ballet shoes gifted during the war, symbolizing moments of beauty amidst chaos, A half-burned book salvaged from Sarajevo’s iconic City Hall after it was shelled, Makeshift stoves crafted from gutters, dolls and toys, and even swings used in basements to provide children with a semblance of normalcy.
Each artifact reflects the creativity, adaptability, and enduring hope of children during wartime. Accompanying these objects are over 150 hours of video testimonies, offering firsthand accounts of survival and the lasting impact of war on young lives.
A Rotating Display of Stories
The museum’s dynamic approach ensures that each visit is a new experience. While the collection itself is vast, only about 50 carefully curated items are on display at any given time. This rotation keeps the narrative fresh, highlighting the diverse ways in which war shaped childhoods.
A Museum Unlike Any Other
The War Childhood Museum stands as the world’s only museum dedicated exclusively to childhoods affected by war. Its mission goes beyond preservation, aiming to educate visitors about the profound and lasting effects of conflict on the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.
