Table of Contents
For Sarajevo, the Ars Aevi project holds particular significance. Conceived in 1992, during one of the most difficult periods in the history of the city and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ars Aevi emerged as an expression of cultural resilience and a commitment to keeping culture and creativity at the heart of the city’s future.
The project became a powerful expression of international solidarity. Following an invitation from Enver Hadžiomerspahić in 1992, leading contemporary artists and institutions donated works to the Ars Aevi collection in support of the people of Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, in response to the suffering caused by the war.
A 30-year vision takes shape
More than 3 decades later, this vision is taking shape. An inauguration ceremony on 29 June 2026 officially marked the start of construction of the Museum of Contemporary Art Ars Aevi.
The Ars Aevi project is implemented by UNESCO with funding from the European Union and contributions from the Governments of Italy and France, with the support of Spain and the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly the Canton of Sarajevo and the City of Sarajevo. The project represents a major investment in Sarajevo’s cultural infrastructure.
Three decades of UNESCO partnership
UNESCO’s engagement with UNESCO dates back to 1999, when the Organization began supporting the development of the initiative under its auspices. As a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano generously donated the preliminary design on which the current project, developed by the Studio Non Stop from Sarajevo, is based.
“This museum is a symbol of the strength of a city that has been able to look to the future through culture. It is a project born out of solidarity and the conviction that art can bring people together and build bridges,” Renzo Piano remarked on the launch of construction, as reported by Sarajevo Times.
Culture as a space for dialogue and reconciliation
The new Ars Aevi museum will further strengthen the role of culture and museums in social, educational, and economic development. It is also intended as a space for dialogue, the promotion of cultural diversity, and reconciliation, contributing to stronger connections within Bosnia and Herzegovina and across the wider region.
For Sarajevo, Ars Aevi represents not only the realisation of a long-standing cultural vision, but also the enduring value of international cooperation and culture’s contribution to more inclusive and peaceful societies.
