European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, attended the official launch of the Ars Aevi Museum of Contemporary Art construction project in Sarajevo, held at the City Hall. The European Union is providing €4.1 million in funding for the project, co-supported by Italy and France under the ‘Team Europe’ approach, demonstrating strong backing for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s cultural sector.
Designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano, the Ars Aevi Museum is set to become a major cultural landmark in Sarajevo. It will serve as an innovative centre for contemporary art, hosting national and international artists, exhibitions, and educational programs. Commissioner Kos highlighted that the museum symbolizes solidarity, providing a proper home for a global collection of donated artworks and aiming to strengthen cultural connections across the country.
At the launch event, EU representatives, UNESCO officials, and local authorities signed agreements to unlock funds for construction. Sarajevo’s Mayor, Benjamina Karić, emphasized the city’s role in initiating and expediting the project, which will create a unique museum district and permanently house 150 works from leading contemporary artists worldwide.
The museum is part of the broader EU4Culture initiative, which aims to improve cultural heritage protection, support creative industries, and develop five cultural facilities across Bosnia and Herzegovina. The total EU investment of €8.5 million under the project includes other initiatives such as the Documentation Center for the Holocaust Museum in Sarajevo, the Culture and Creative Industries Development Centre in Banja Luka, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Republika Srpska, and the rehabilitation of the Mujaga Komadina house in Mostar.
EU4Culture focuses on equipping these facilities with modern tools and digital technologies to enhance collection management, exhibitions, and educational programs. The initiative also prioritizes youth and creative professional development through training, mentoring, and international collaboration, fostering the next generation of cultural leaders and promoting dialogue between artists and the public as a means of social change.
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