The Jewish Museum is located in the oldest synagogue in Sarajevo and is considered to be the most beautiful exhibition space in the entire former Yugoslavia. It was built in 1580 when the Rumelian begler bey, Sijavus-pasha, gave the money to build a large house for the Sephardic Jews, who were exiled from Spain in 1566. They came to Sarajevo and brought with them the most significant manuscript from the 15th century - Sarajevo's Haggadah. By the end of the 16th century, the first synagogue was created, which was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1821. The last prayer was heard six days after the occupation of Sarajevo in April 1941. During World War II, the synagogue was turned into a prison and later into a warehouse.
Since 1966, after its restoration, the synagogue became the Museum of the Jews of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The first exhibition was held in 1966, celebrating 400 years since Jews arrival in Bosnia.
The old temple has three floors and a courtyard that you can enter through old iron gates.
A silver tas, a shield of the torus, a copy of the Haggadah, numerous documents and moving objects in the museum testify to the life and creativity of people of that era, which has a significant share in the overall history of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is also possible to view the manuscripts of Isaac Samokovlija (a famous Bosnian writer), his portrait and personal objects. There are also manuscripts, marriage contracts, prayer books, and legacy items from prominent scholars and artists of Jewish descent (Kalmi Baruch, Daniel Ozmo, Marcel Schneider).
The second part of the museum depicts the suffering of Jews during World War II. On the ceiling hangs a "Book of Suffering" with the names of killed Jews. The museum also displays the names of citizens of Bosnia who saved Jews during World War II.
Interesting facts
In the museum visitors can see the camp dress of Mira Papo as well as the items that the Jews had to wear during the World War II.
Ticket price for the Jewish Museum
Regular ticket price: 3 KM
Reduced ticket price: 1 KM
Working hours of the Jewish Museum
Summer working hours: from Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Winter working hours: from Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
