VR

The Museum of Sarajevo continuously follows contemporary museological trends and implements new technologies in the interpretation and presentation of cultural and historical heritage. A VR showroom, a modern multimedia space where visitors can experience virtual versions of various museum exhibitions, has been opened at the Museum of Jews of Bosnia and Herzegovina. One of the most notable examples of this approach is the exhibition “Civic Culture of Sarajevo”, by Indira Kučuk-Sorguč, which has become the most visited museum exhibition in recent years. It was first presented at Gazi Husrev-beg’s Hanikah in 2022 and later at Sarajevo City Hall in 2023. Through an innovative concept, the exhibition explores 24 prominent Sarajevo families who made significant contributions to the city’s development from the mid-19th to the late 20th century. Using 3D floating panels and video narration, visitors can discover fascinating stories about Sarajevo families in an interactive way, while technology allows them to virtually hold objects from their legacies.

The Museum of Sarajevo continues its modernization through the digitalization of traditional crafts. The “Virtual Museum of Old Crafts” project aims to preserve the memory of Baščaršija’s crafts, many of which are now near extinction. Museum advisor Moamer Šehović, head of the Old Crafts Collection, provided expert support in its realization. This project uses Virtual Reality and desktop applications, enabling users to explore crafts such as brush-making, cauldron-making, and boza production in detail. Through this technology, visitors can tour craft workshops, listen to artisans’ stories, and learn more about the historical development of crafts in Sarajevo. Recorded interviews with craftsmen serve as a valuable archive, contributing to the preservation of this aspect of the city’s cultural identity.Additionally, the Sarajevo Museum has digitized the exclusive exhibition “Our Heritage”, held at Gazi Husrev-beg’s Hanikah in October 2024 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Sarajevo Museum. This exhibition showcased valuable artifacts from museum collections, highlighting the richness and diversity of Sarajevo’s cultural and historical heritage across different eras. All virtual and digitalization projects have been successfully carried out in cooperation with the DIGI.ba Association.

Another significant step in the digitalization of museum heritage is the collaboration between the Museum of Sarajevo and the Sarajevo VRX Museum. Through a virtual reconstruction of June 28, 1914, users can witness the arrival of Austro-Hungarian heir Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie in Sarajevo, experience the tension and drama of the assassination, and gain insight into the broader causes that led to World War I. Digitalization and interactive technologies not only enhance the museum’s exhibitions but also make them more accessible and engaging for both local and international audiences. This VR presentation is available at the Sarajevo 1878-1918 Museum.

The VR exhibition Civic Culture of Sarajevo is currently available in the VR Room of the Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina.