War Childhood Museum

The War Childhood Museum at Logavina 32 in Sarajevo, in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, tells the story of the 1992-1995 siege through the memories of people who were children at the time. The museum grew from a book and a crowdsourced project begun by Jasminko Halilović, and it opened in 2017. Its collection is made up of everyday objects donated by former child survivors, such as toys, shoes, diaries, letters, school items and improvised household tools, each accompanied by a short personal text explaining what the object meant. Rather than presenting military history, the exhibition focuses on small daily experiences of hunger, fear, play and adaptation under shelling and sniper fire. Displays are arranged in a compact space with audio and video elements, and the narrative is told mostly in the donors' own words in Bosnian and English. Many visitors find the museum emotionally intense, and the quiet atmosphere encourages unhurried reading. A visit usually takes about an hour. The museum is on a steep street in the Vratnik-side slopes above the old town, roughly ten minutes uphill from Baščaršija, and is easily combined with a walk to the Svrzo's House and the Yellow Fortress. Weekday mornings are generally quieter, while afternoons can be busier with school and tour groups. The museum shop sells books and items connected to the project. Photography rules apply in some areas, so visitors should check signs and ask staff. The museum suits older children and adults, and parents may want to consider the sensitive subject when visiting with younger children. Opening hours vary by season, so verifying before arriving is advisable.