This November, the War Childhood Museum welcomed two talented scholars from Taiwan: Daphne Weng and Ann Chen, graduate students from the Graduate Institute of Museum Studies at Taipei National University of the Arts.
Weng first discovered the War Childhood Museum while researching how museums tackle the challenging topic of war, especially for young audiences. “Many war exhibitions around the world exclude children, imposing age restrictions. I was looking for museums that designed their exhibitions for children while addressing such difficult subjects. That’s how I found the War Childhood Museum online,” she explained.
Weng instantly became a fan, and when she learned that the Museum had a traveling exhibition in her part of the world last year – in Seoul, South Korea – she made it a point to visit. This November, Weng had the chance to hold a presentation featuring the Museum at the ICOM-CECA conference in Athens. Determined to make the most of her time in Europe, she and her colleague Ann Chen decided to travel to Sarajevo to experience the Museum firsthand.
Chen, whose research focuses on Taiwan’s complex history and transitional justice, was also inspired by the Museum’s mission. “In Taiwan, we are working to uncover hidden truths about our history – about colonization, authoritarian rule, and the struggles for justice. The War Childhood Museum’s work resonates deeply with that effort,” she shared.
Speaking War to Children
Weng’s presentation in Athens, titled Never Too Young to Learn, explored how museums can introduce war-related topics to children through thoughtful, sensitive approaches. She compared two cases: the War Childhood Museum and an immersive storytelling theater project at the National Taiwan Literature Museum, where children interact with history through motion sensors and dramatic visuals.
“They both have some strategies in common, but they have different narratives about wars,” said Weng and added that the War Childhood Museum stands out for its message of hope and resilience.
Impressions from Sarajevo
Visiting the War Childhood Museum in Sarajevo offered the duo a new perspective. They mentioned that they visited museums that depicted the brutality of the war very vividly but found the WCM’s approach comforting.
“We felt a sense of calm in the atmosphere, and it was nice that the exhibition focused on human hope and resilience. This made it more comfortable for us to read through all the labels, leaving us at ease, yet still allowing us to learn something meaningful about the war,” Weng said.
Chen added, “This visit taught me so much about Sarajevo’s history and the unique experiences of children during the war. It’s a deeply moving way to understand the personal side of history.”
The War Childhood Museum is proud to be a part of their academic journey and looks forward to seeing how their work continues to bridge cultures and inspire others. Thank you, Daphne and Ann, for visiting us!
