National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a state museum located in central Sarajevo, founded in the late 19th century as the country’s principal cultural and scientific institution. It holds major collections in archaeology, ethnology and natural history and preserves several nationally important artefacts.

Museum displays span prehistoric archaeology, medieval and Ottoman-era material culture, and natural history specimens, arranged across permanent galleries. Among the museum’s notable items is the illuminated medieval manuscript known as the Sarajevo Haggadah, which draws significant attention from visitors and researchers.

The institution was established in the late 19th century and has served as the principal national repository for archaeological, ethnographic and natural history collections since then. Its role and operations have reflected the region’s changing political history, but it has retained core collections that document the area’s cultural and natural past.

The museum stands in central Sarajevo close to the old town and main civic areas, making it accessible on foot from other downtown landmarks and public transport hubs.

• Location tip: The main building sits in central Sarajevo near the historical core, so visits are easily combined with city walking routes and other heritage sites.

What to See #

• Archaeology collection: Houses archaeological finds from prehistoric settlements through medieval Bosnian artefacts and displays that cover local archaeological research.
• Natural history collection: Contains natural history specimens and displays covering geology, zoology and botany of the region.
• Sarajevo Haggadah: A late medieval illuminated Jewish manuscript dating to the 14th century that is one of the museum's most famous objects and a frequently cited cultural treasure.