Reconstructed Rooms

Overview

Deep within the heart of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, lies a profound testament to human resilience: the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum. While the tunnel itself, known as the 'Tunnel of Hope' or 'Tunnel of Salvation,' is the main artifact, the museum also features evocative 'Reconstructed Rooms' that offer an intimate glimpse into the harrowing realities of the 1992-1996 Siege of Sarajevo. These rooms are not just exhibition spaces; they are carefully curated environments designed to immerse visitors in the desperate ingenuity and spirit of survival that defined life in the besieged city.

Located in the modest house of the Kolar family, which originally sheltered the tunnel's entrance, these museum rooms present a powerful collection of artifacts, photographs, and documentary footage. They serve as a vital prelude and complement to walking through the preserved section of the actual tunnel, preparing visitors emotionally and intellectually for the experience of stepping into a piece of living history.

History & Cultural Background

The Sarajevo Tunnel, or 'Tunel spasa,' was constructed between March and July 1993, during the longest siege of a capital city in modern history. Sarajevo was completely encircled by Serbian forces, cut off from the outside world. The tunnel was a clandestine project, codenamed 'Objekt BD,' designed to connect the besieged Sarajevo neighborhood of Dobrinja with the free Bosnian territory in Butmir, passing secretly beneath the airport runway, an area ostensibly controlled by the United Nations.

Hand-dug by Bosnian Army soldiers and civilians working tirelessly in eight-hour shifts, the tunnel stretched approximately 720 to 800 meters, with a height ranging from 1 to 1.6 meters and a width of 0.8 to 1 meter. It became the sole conduit for humanitarian aid, food, medicine, war supplies, and the passage of people in and out of the city, sustaining Sarajevo's population for over three years. The Kolar family's home became a pivotal, covert entry point, a secret known only to a select few until after the war.

What Makes It Special

The 'Reconstructed Rooms' at the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum are special because they move beyond mere displays, transforming into immersive environments that tell a deeply personal story. Before entering the remaining section of the tunnel, visitors pass through these rooms, which are filled with a poignant assortment of items.

You can see original military equipment, uniforms, makeshift weapons, ammunition crates, and personal belongings that depict the resourcefulness of those living under siege. Large photographs adorning the walls vividly illustrate the daily struggles, the destruction, and the sheer willpower of Sarajevo's citizens. There is often a documentary film playing, showing the construction and use of the tunnel, which provides essential context and emotional resonance. These spaces effectively bridge the gap between historical fact and emotional experience, allowing visitors to connect with the human cost and extraordinary triumphs of the siege.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

One of the most compelling aspects of the 'Reconstructed Rooms' experience is the personal narratives they evoke. The Kolar family, whose house became the tunnel's entrance, continue to be central to the museum. Edis Kolar, who was 18 during the siege, now serves as a guide, sharing firsthand accounts that bring history to life. Imagine the secrecy surrounding the tunnel's construction, dug largely by hand with shovels and picks, with workers often paid in cigarettes due to the wartime economy. The conditions were brutal, with constant threats of shelling and waist-high underground water that had to be manually bucketed out.

A small railway track and carts were eventually installed in the tunnel to transport supplies more efficiently, a remarkable feat of engineering under dire circumstances. Even a pipeline for oil and cables for electricity and telecommunications were laid through this narrow passage, highlighting its multi-faceted role as Sarajevo's primary lifeline. The house itself still bears the scars of war, with bullet holes intentionally left unfilled and unpainted on its facade, serving as a raw, authentic reminder of its past.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the 'Reconstructed Rooms' offers a profound sense of connection to the past. The atmosphere is often described as intense and somber, yet deeply inspiring. As you examine the artifacts and absorb the narratives, you gain a tangible understanding of the courage and determination required to survive unimaginable conditions. It's an experience that leaves a lasting impression, fostering empathy and respect for the resilience of the human spirit. Walking through these rooms and then stepping into the short, preserved section of the original tunnel, often requiring a crouch for taller individuals, provides a physical approximation of the challenges faced daily by those who relied on this underground passage. The entire museum complex, including these poignant reconstructed spaces, serves as a powerful memorial, ensuring that the incredible story of the Sarajevo Tunnel and the unwavering spirit of its people will never be forgotten.