Natural History Section

Overview

The Natural History Section, officially known as the Natural Sciences Department, is a captivating part of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo. Established in 1888, the museum itself is the country's oldest modern cultural and scientific institution. The Natural History Section is one of four main departments housed within the museum's purpose-built complex, inaugurated in 1913. This department comprehensively covers the rich flora, fauna, and geology of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as specimens from other parts of the world. It boasts an impressive collection of approximately two million specimens, making its exhibits among the largest of their kind in Southeast Europe. The section is thoughtfully organized into specialized units focusing on Geology, Zoology, and Botany, with the latter overseeing the museum's unique botanical garden.

History & Cultural Background

The concept for a national museum in Bosnia and Herzegovina emerged as early as 1850, but it wasn't until February 1, 1888, during the Austro-Hungarian administration, that the institution was formally established. Initially housed in less suitable premises, the museum found its permanent home in 1913 in a grand Neorenaissance building designed by the Czech architect Karel Pařík (Karl Paržik). This architectural marvel was uniquely conceived as a complex of four symmetrical pavilions, each dedicated to a specific department—archaeology, ethnology, natural history, and a library—all connected around a central botanical garden. This design was pioneering, making it the only purpose-built museum complex in the former Yugoslavia for many years. The museum, and by extension its Natural History Section, has witnessed significant historical events, enduring damage during the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1995 and facing a period of closure between 2012 and 2015 due to funding challenges. Despite these adversities, it has consistently served as a vital repository of Bosnia and Herzegovina's natural heritage.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets the Natural History Section apart is the sheer scale and diversity of its collections. With about two million specimens, it offers an unparalleled window into the natural world. The department's extensive coverage spans geology, zoology, and botany, providing a comprehensive understanding of the region's biodiversity and geological past. Visitors can explore no fewer than twelve permanent exhibitions. These include fascinating displays on Pleistocene and subfossil vertebrates, fossils from Sarajevo and its surroundings, and detailed presentations of minerals, rocks, and ores. The living world is celebrated through exhibits on aquatic and wetland habitats, the amphibians and reptiles unique to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the diverse ecosystems found within its forests. Further sections delve into invertebrates, mammals, birds of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and even hoofed animals and ungulates from across the globe, complemented by zoogeographical exhibits. A dedicated exhibition highlights rare and endangered plants of the region, underscoring conservation efforts. Additionally, the museum's botanical garden, established in 1913 by botanist Karlo Maly, is a living treasure with over 3,000 plant species, including many endemic varieties, creating a tranquil oasis within the urban landscape.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The National Museum complex itself holds a unique distinction as the only purpose-built museum in Southeast Europe designed specifically to house its collections, a testament to the forward-thinking vision of its founders. Within the Natural History Section, visitors might encounter a striking calcite crystal, a specimen proudly sourced from Sarajevo's nearby Trebević mountain, offering a tangible link to the local geology. A particularly poignant exhibit features the skeleton of a bearded vulture, a majestic bird with an impressive wingspan that once graced the skies above Bosnia and Herzegovina, serving as a reminder of the region's past wild grandeur. The botanical garden, beyond its impressive collection of flora—including distinct sections for Schist, Serpentinite, Dolomite, and Limestone mountain flora, as well as plants from the Miljacka valley and succulent species—also beautifully integrates elements of cultural heritage. Scattered amidst the greenery are ancient stećci, medieval Bosnian tombstones, brought from various locations across the country, creating a serene and thought-provoking blend of natural beauty and historical artistry.

Visitor Perspective

Located conveniently in central Sarajevo at Zmaja od Bosne 3, the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is easily accessible for travelers. It can be reached by all tram lines, with the 'Tehnička škola' stop being the closest, as well as by the Baščaršija–Dobrinja bus line. The museum welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Friday, from 10:00 to 19:00, and on weekends, also from 10:00 to 19:00, ensuring ample time to explore its extensive offerings. The Natural History Section, with its vast array of exhibits and specimens, can easily occupy several hours, making it ideal for a deep dive into the region's natural heritage. Admission fees are structured to be accessible: adults pay 20 KM, students 10 KM, children aged 6-18 are 2 KM, and those under 5 years old enter free. Guided tours are also available, providing an even richer interpretive experience of the collections. Whether you are a budding naturalist, a geology enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, the Natural History Section offers an enriching and educational journey through the diverse ecosystems and geological wonders of Bosnia and Herzegovina.