EU provides €4.1 million for construction of the ArsAevi Museum in Sarajevo

European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, attended the official launch of the project for the construction of the Ars Aevi Museum of Contemporary Art in Sarajevo today at the City Hall. The construction of the Ars Aevi Museum is funded by the European Union with €4.1 million and co-funded by Italy and France, demonstrating strong support to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s cultural sector, under the ‘Team Europe’ approach.

Designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano, the new Ars Aevi Museum is the most ambitious cultural and development project for contemporary art in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is set to become a cultural landmark in Sarajevo. The museum aims to serve as an innovative centre for contemporary art, hosting national and international artists, exhibitions and educational programs. 

“Ars Aevi is a symbol of solidarity. Artists from around the world have donated pieces, and now it's time for this collection to have a proper home – a world-class museum. I am very proud that the EU is supporting this initiative. We want it to become a major cultural attraction in Bosnia and Herzegovina and a tool for continuing to build bridges between major cities in this country," said Commissioner Kos.

At the project launch event, the Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative Ambassador Luigi Soreca, and the Head of the UNESCO Office in BiH, Siniša Šešum signed an agreement unlocking the funds for construction.

“The European Union has been and remains our strong partner and great support. I thank Commissioner Kos for her visit and confirmation of that support. We see our future in the European Union, and Sarajevo, as the capital, has a special role and responsibility to achieve this goal," said Mayor Avdić, emphasizing that with the construction of the Ars Aevi Museum, Sarajevo will gain a unique museum district, and the collection of 150 works by leading contemporary artists from around the world will finally have its permanent home.

The signing ceremony of the Agreement was also attended by the Mayor of the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo, Benjamina Karić, as the City of Sarajevo, during her mandate, initiated this project and started the joint cooperation with the Sarajevo Canton Government on the implementation of the Ars Aevi Museum construction project. The Municipality of Novo Sarajevo subsequently issued the building permit in record time, further contributing to the dynamic implementation of this significant cultural project.

The construction of Ars Aevi Museum is part of a broader vision under EU4Culture project to improve the protection and management of cultural heritage and to support the development of creative industries in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ars Aevi is one of five cultural facilities to be developed through the EU4Culture project. With a total EU investment of €8.5 million, the EU4Culture is supporting the renovation and construction of cultural infrastructures in Sarajevo, Banja Luka and Mostar. 

In addition to the Ars Aevi Museum in Sarajevo, the project includes the creation of the Documentation Center for the Holocaust Museum in Sarajevo, establishment and construction of the Culture and Creative Industries Development Centre in Banja Luka, the reconstruction of the Museum of Contemporary Art of Republika Srpska and the rehabilitation of Mujaga Komadina house in Mostar. Each facility will be equipped with modern tools and digital technologies to improve the management of collections, exhibitions, and educational programs. 

The EU4Culture project is particularly focused on empowering youth and creative professionals. Through training, mentoring, and international collaboration, the project aims to foster the next generation of cultural leaders, encouraging dialogue between artists and the public as a powerful tool for social change.