Government of Sarajevo Canton declares construction of Ars Aevi Museum a project of special importance for Sarajevo Canton

(Patria) - The Government of Sarajevo Canton adopted a conclusion today declaring the construction of the Ars Aevi Museum of Contemporary Art a project of special importance and interest for Sarajevo Canton, and it has been included in the Public Investment Programme for the period 2026–2028.

This decision provides a final formal-legal basis for the implementation of works, thereby transforming the vision of the Museum of Contemporary Art into a priority action plan for Sarajevo Canton.

The institutional confirmation of the project, whose architectural design is signed by Renzo Piano, represents a turning point in the urban planning of Sarajevo and the positioning of the city as a prestigious global cultural destination.

The construction of the museum directly impacts the quality of life in the local community by creating new urban value, while simultaneously opening doors for scientific research institutions, universities, and all levels of the educational system in the Federation of BiH to actively participate in the museum's work. In addition to its educational function, the facility will serve as a key platform for the creative expression of young artists from across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton Nihad Uk emphasised that this is a decisive move that defines the development path of the capital.

„By prioritising Ars Aevi among public investments, we are creating the necessary preconditions for the construction of the most important cultural infrastructure in the modern history of Sarajevo. This is an investment in the international credibility of the state and a direct contribution to economic growth through creative industries. With this, Sarajevo shows that it has the strength and vision to implement world-class projects that will remain for generations as proof of our European orientation and developmental power,“ stated Prime Minister Uk.

Director of the Public Institution City Museums Sarajevo, Senka Ibrišimbegović, emphasised that such support comes at a time when all technical and legal conditions for the project's implementation have been met.

„The Government's decision represents the culmination of efforts lasting more than three decades and confirms that Sarajevo is ready to realise a 'home' for one of the most valuable collections of contemporary art in this part of Europe. Ars Aevi will become a centre of knowledge and international cooperation that connects Sarajevo with leading world museums and artistic trends. We are creating an institution that will be a meeting point, dialogue, and creativity, thereby permanently securing space for the free development of culture and science in Bosnia and Herzegovina,“ said Ibrišimbegović.

The Ars Aevi collection was created in 1992 as an act of cultural resistance during the siege of Sarajevo, and today it is developing through strong support from the European Union, which, through the EU4Culture programme, secured 4.1 million euros in grants. The project is being implemented within the #TeamEurope initiative, and the construction of a permanent home for this prestigious collection represents the foundation of future international recognition of Sarajevo as a regional centre of culture and modern society.