The Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Preservation of a Modernist Gem in Sarajevo

The building of the History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in the capital city, Sarajevo. The building was damaged during the 199295 siege of Sarajevo and has never been properly restored. In November 2012, the museum building was declared a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The goal of the project was to propose a vision for the revitalization of the History Museum and its adjacent surroundings, to find solutions for better use of space and a sustainable function for the future, while simultaneously preserving and enhancing its architectural qualities and historical value. The building complex consists of exhibition halls, a central exhibition space, an inner garden, a plateau, an administrative wing, storage depots, and conference halls. Discussions about expanding the museum have been ongoing for many years, as the need for additional space continues to grow alongside the increasing number of exhibits and valuables in the museums collection. The existing spaces have exceeded their full capacity, and many functional areas designed for specific purposes have been repurposed into inadequate storage areas. The primary task was to preserve the existing building and its original appearance while providing the additional spaces required for the proper functioning of the museum, with minimal impact on the buildings architectural qualities.