The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina — Attraction in City of Sarajevo

The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is truly one of the finest museums in Southeast Europe. Its collections span archaeology, ethnography, and natural sciences, telling layered stories about Bosnia’s past and the diverse peoples who have lived here. The building itself is beautiful, constructed during Habsburg rule, with a peaceful botanical garden in the middle that offers a unique atmosphere.

Despite years of financial struggles and an unresolved institutional status—largely due to politicians and ethnonationalist approaches to culture that undermine everything “national” in Bosnia—the museum continues to preserve and present heritage that is relevant to all people of the country.

I was particularly impressed with the archaeological department, where renovated galleries and elegant vitrines display objects with clear, informative texts in both Bosnian and English. It was a real pleasure to explore.

This museum is a must-see in Sarajevo. I sincerely hope for its better future—with stable funding, more visitors, and new special exhibitions—because it deserves recognition and support both locally and...

Upon entering the museum, my friend and I inquired about seeing one specific artifact. We were told it was indeed at the museum and were given directions on where to find it. Based on that information, we purchased tickets—our sole purpose being to see this very ancient and highly revered artifact.

We spent over 30 minutes searching for it but couldn’t locate it. After asking for directions again and continuing to search, we eventually found where the artifact was located—only to discover it was behind a locked door in a separate room. When we asked for access, we were finally informed that the artifact was closed off for the rest of the day, that a special request was required to view it, that an additional fee would be necessary, and that this information was on their website.

Why were we not told this from the start? We specifically asked about this artifact before buying tickets and were assured it was available for viewing. Had we known it wasn’t accessible, we would not have purchased admission tickets. We came to the museum solely for this one artifact and we left utterly...

Let me put it this way — this museum starts off strong, showcasing the incredible history of Bosnia and the broader Balkan region. It’s divided into four main sections, and the charming botanical garden in the center adds to the overall experience.

There’s a small vending machine behind the main building where you can grab coffee, snacks, and drinks, which is a nice touch.

However, the flora and fauna section felt a bit puzzling. While the display of stuffed animals is visually impressive, the inclusion of species like camels, penguins, and kangaroos—completely unrelated to Bosnia or the Balkans—felt out of place. It would make more sense to focus on local wildlife.

Another issue: after a certain point, many artifacts were no longer labeled in English, which makes it difficult for international visitors. There is a QR code for an audio guide, but unfortunately, it doesn’t work.

That said, it’s still a must-visit for anyone interested in regional history and culture — but there’s definitely room...