National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo

Established in 1888, the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the oldest Western‑style cultural and scientific institution in the country. The museum complex, expanded in 1913 by Czech architect Karel Parik, features four symmetrical pavilions arranged around a central botanical courtyard-a fine example of Italian Renaissance Revival architecture seamlessly blending science, art, and heritage.

Inside, visitors will discover rich and diverse departments: archaeology, tracing human activity from the Stone Age to the late Medieval era; ethnology, featuring traditional Bosnian urban homes and costumes; natural history, with geological, zoological, and botanical displays; and a library containing more than 160,000 volumes in subjects spanning archaeology, folklore, and museology. The botanical garden, established in 1913 by botanist Karlo Maly, spans 14,000 square meters and houses over 2,000 plant species, alongside relocated medieval stecci tombstones such as the impressive Zgosca stecak and pillar.

One of the museum’s most celebrated treasures is the Sarajevo Haggadah, a richly illuminated Sephardic Jewish manuscript dating from around 1350, believed to have originated in Barcelona. It is displayed under high‑security glass and is among the most valuable artifacts of Jewish cultural heritage in the world. The museum also issued the country’s first scientific journal, Herald of the National Museum, following its foundation-a testament to its role in Bosnia’s academic and intellectual life since the late 19th century.

Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or cultural explorer, this museum offers an enriching glimpse into the complex heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina, all set within an elegant early-20th-century architectural landmark.