War Childhood Museum

Permanent Exhibition Sarajevo

World’s only museum focused on childhood affected by war.

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Was Your Childhood Affected By War?

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Our Work in Ukraine

We've collected over 600 testimonies and objects from children affected by the Russia-Ukraine war, both before and after the full-scale invasion. We are now working to open a permanent museum in Kyiv.

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Rising from the crowd-sourced book War Childhood and focusing on healing through storytelling, the independent, youth-led War Childhood Museum has garnered recognition as the world’s only museum focused exclusively on childhoods affected by war.

Idea, Mission, Vision

Celebrating Children’s Resilience

Having proven successful in providing Bosnians of all ages with a rare opportunity to confront the traumas of their recent past without reinforcing ethnic boundaries, the War Childhood Museum (WCM) has expanded its activities to contemporary conflict, post-conflict, and resettlement zones. WCM now operates a museum in Bosnia, has offices in Ukraine and the Netherlands, and runs documentation and education initiatives in several other countries, becoming an international platform that amplifies the voices of current and former war children.

The 2018 Council of Europe Museum Prize—one of the most prestigious awards in the museum industry—was awarded to the War Childhood Museum as part of the European Museum of the Year Awards.

Watch short video about the WCM

Through its unique platform, WCM addresses trauma on an individual level for both contributors, whose personal stories and objects form the museum’s collection, and visitors—ultimately fostering greater understanding within society as a whole.

Watch Al Jazeera's documentary about our impact

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What We Do

Research

Our goal for the next ten years is to create the world’s largest collection dedicated to the experience of childhood affected by war.

Exhibition

Besides its permanent exhibition, the War Childhood Museum also exhibits through its travelling and pop-up exhibitions, social media, web site, mobile app, and other media.

Education

In addition to hosting school visits at the Museum, our staff holds workshops, and works closely with teachers to encourage the use of carefully designed pre- and post- visit materials in classrooms.

“The War Childhood Museum is a telling example of what museums can do to change people's lives and make our world a better one to live in.”
DR. MARLEN MOULIOUHead of Jury, European Museum of the Year Awards

“I want to express my support for the War Childhood Museum. It is important that such museums exist and tell the stories of people and their objects.”
ORHAN PAMUKAuthor, Nobel Prize Laureate

“By learning from the events that transpired, we help ensure that they never happen again. This important museum plays a significant part in the efforts at remembrance.”
ANN LINDESwedish Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Life is made of stories. This museum is made of stories and life. Please, keep telling stories to show that life can't be defeated by war.”
MARCO, ESTONIAVisitor

PROJECTS IN FOCUS

WE GREW UP IN WAR video game

From Museum to Game: Preserving War Childhood Stories

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WCM Education Resource Center

Learning Through Stories of War Childhood – Over 30 Ready-to-Use Activity Plans on a Variety of Topics

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We tell the stories that have to be told. Help us tell more.

At the War Childhood Museum, we stand independent, fueled by the unwavering support of donors, partners, and friends. Now, we invite you to be a part of our journey. Your support can make an even greater impact, allowing us to do more.

Rising from the crowd-sourced book War Childhood and focusing on healing through storytelling, the independent, youth-led War Childhood Museum has garnered recognition as the world’s only museum focused exclusively on childhoods affected by war.

Idea, Mission, Vision

Celebrating Children’s Resilience

Watch short video about the WCM

Through its unique platform, WCM addresses trauma on an individual level for both contributors, whose personal stories and objects form the museum’s collection, and visitors—ultimately fostering greater understanding within society as a whole.

Watch Al Jazeera's documentary about our impact

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

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