Ars Aevi Contemporary Art
A symbol of post-war resilience, Ars Aevi showcases international contemporary art donated to Sarajevo.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better focus
Ars Aevi Contemporary Art
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better focus
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A symbol of post-war resilience, Ars Aevi showcases international contemporary art donated to Sarajevo.
"A powerful symbol of rebirth with significant international art, despite modest presentation."
Research Artists Beforehand
Many pieces lack labels. Knowing the artist's background greatly enhances understanding. :iphone:
Check Multimedia Functionality
Some video installations may not be powered on. Don't hesitate to ask staff if possible. :bulb:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Marina Abramović's 'Cleaning the Mirror'
Sarajevo City Hall, 3rd & 4th Floor
A powerful performance piece exploring identity and guilt, though sometimes not plugged in.
International Masterpieces
Sarajevo City Hall, 3rd & 4th Floor
See works by Anish Kapoor, Joseph Beuys, Julian Opie, and Lee Ufan.
Symbol of Rebirth
Sarajevo City Hall, 3rd & 4th Floor
The collection represents hope and resilience in post-war Sarajevo.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Symbol of Resilience
Context is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Research Artists Beforehand
Many pieces lack labels. Knowing the artist's background greatly enhances understanding. :iphone:
Check Multimedia Functionality
Some video installations may not be powered on. Don't hesitate to ask staff if possible. :bulb:
Combine with City Hall Visit
Entry is often included with Sarajevo City Hall tickets. :ticket:
Embrace the 'Work in Progress'
It's a temporary space with a big heart. Appreciate its spirit. :heart:
Tips
from all over the internet
Research Artists Beforehand
Many pieces lack labels. Knowing the artist's background greatly enhances understanding. :iphone:
Check Multimedia Functionality
Some video installations may not be powered on. Don't hesitate to ask staff if possible. :bulb:
Combine with City Hall Visit
Entry is often included with Sarajevo City Hall tickets. :ticket:
Embrace the 'Work in Progress'
It's a temporary space with a big heart. Appreciate its spirit. :heart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ars Aevi is lauded for its significant collection of international contemporary art, a powerful symbol of Sarajevo's post-war resilience. However, visitors frequently note the lack of curation and explanation, as well as the modest, temporary nature of the exhibition space. Despite these drawbacks, the collection's artistic merit and symbolic importance make it a worthwhile visit for those interested in contemporary art and Sarajevo's history.
"Incredible collection with zero curation and explanation.
You will find contemporary art’s biggest names here - Anish Kapoor, Marina Abramovic, Joseph Beuys, Julian Opie, Lee Ufan and many more. Sadly the exhibition is poorly curated and badly maintained.
Marina Abramovic, arguably the most famous performance artist in the world, has a piece here. Of Serbian origin but very critical of the violence of the Yugoslavia wars, her piece “Cleaning the Mirror” explores the issue of identity and guilt. Five stacked TVs show her trying to scrub clean human bones for hours. I only found out about this by looking online, because the piece wasn’t even plugged in. (See image of what I saw vs what it’s supposed to be) This was not the only multimedia piece that was not plugged in.
There’s also no explanation of any of the pieces. What is Joseph Beuys doing in the images behind the bottles? Are the bottles oil or dirty water? As with most contemporary art, some context and translation will help. At least give me a date so I can guess if the piece has anything to do with the war.
All the works were donated in the goodwill after the war and will eventually go into an art museum designed by Renzo Piano, architect of Pompidou and the Shard. Perhaps it is so badly curated because they’re just in waiting, but please, at least plug in the pieces."
HY
"If you are looking for contemporary art this is the place. Ars Aevi is a project that is more than a collection of art masterpieces, it is a symbol of the rebirth of Sarajevo after the war. The actual building is temporary in 2022 the new structure by Renzo Piano will be ready."
tommaso a.
"Featuring outstanding works by renowned artists, this museum is definitely worth a visit."
Polina Chebukina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ars Aevi is currently housed on the 3rd and 4th floors of the Sarajevo City Hall. You can reach the City Hall easily by public transport or a short walk from the city center. The building itself is a landmark, making it straightforward to find.
As it's located within the Sarajevo City Hall, accessibility may depend on the building's current facilities. It's advisable to check with the City Hall directly regarding elevator access or other accommodations.
Ars Aevi is typically open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, often coinciding with the opening hours of the Sarajevo City Hall. It's always a good idea to confirm these hours before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Often, your ticket to visit the Sarajevo City Hall includes access to the Ars Aevi contemporary art exhibit without additional charges. Confirm this when purchasing your City Hall ticket.
The cost is usually bundled with the Sarajevo City Hall entrance fee. This makes it a very budget-friendly way to experience significant contemporary art.
Tickets are typically purchased in person at the Sarajevo City Hall. Online booking options may not be available for this temporary exhibition space.
Visiting on weekday mornings, especially outside of peak tourist seasons, is generally recommended for a less crowded experience. This allows for more personal reflection with the artworks.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
Ars Aevi features works by internationally renowned contemporary artists such as Anish Kapoor, Marina Abramović, Joseph Beuys, Julian Opie, and Lee Ufan. The collection is a testament to post-war artistic contributions.
Reviews suggest that explanations and labels are often minimal or absent, which can make understanding the pieces challenging. Researching artists beforehand is highly recommended.
Ars Aevi is a significant project symbolizing Sarajevo's rebirth and resilience after the war. The collection was largely donated as a gesture of goodwill and hope.
The museum is currently in a temporary space within the Sarajevo City Hall. A new, permanent structure designed by architect Renzo Piano is planned for the future.
While some multimedia pieces exist, visitors have noted that they may not always be functional. The focus is more on appreciating the donated masterpieces and their symbolic value.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
As Ars Aevi is housed within the Sarajevo City Hall, there are no dedicated dining facilities within the art exhibition space itself. However, the City Hall area and the surrounding Old Town offer numerous cafes and restaurants.
Typically, food and drinks are not permitted inside art exhibition spaces to protect the artworks. It's best to consume any refreshments before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to look for signage or ask staff upon arrival. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use might be permitted, but commercial use is usually restricted.
While the focus is on the art, the City Hall building itself offers architectural photo opportunities. For the art, capturing the essence of the pieces, even without labels, can be a unique photographic challenge.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider preparing your children beforehand by showing them images of the featured artists or discussing the idea of art as a gift to a city rebuilding itself. The visit is often combined with exploring the Sarajevo City Hall, which offers more traditional historical exhibits that might appeal to a broader age range. Keep the visit concise to maintain engagement.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring the City Hall itself and the surrounding Old Town. This allows you to maximize your sightseeing in Sarajevo without significant additional expenses. Pack your own water and snacks, as dining options within the immediate vicinity might be limited or pricier.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Collection: A Post-War Gift
However, the presentation of this valuable collection has been a point of discussion. Visitors often note a lack of detailed curation and explanation for the artworks. This can make it challenging to fully grasp the context or meaning behind pieces, especially for those unfamiliar with the artists' oeuvres or the historical backdrop. The temporary nature of the current exhibition space also contributes to a less polished presentation compared to established museums.
Despite these challenges, the spirit of Ars Aevi lies in its mission. It represents a powerful statement of resilience and a commitment to rebuilding cultural life. The donated artworks are not just art; they are messages of hope and a testament to the enduring power of creativity in the face of adversity. The future plans for a dedicated museum designed by Renzo Piano promise a more permanent and fitting home for this significant collection.
Navigating the Temporary Space
The experience in this temporary space is often described as raw and unpretentious. Unlike grand, purpose-built museums, Ars Aevi offers a more intimate, albeit less polished, encounter with significant art. The lack of extensive signage or elaborate displays means visitors are encouraged to engage more directly with the art itself, relying on their own interpretations or prior knowledge.
It's important for visitors to manage expectations regarding the physical space. The value of Ars Aevi is not in its opulent surroundings but in the profound message of its collection and its role in Sarajevo's narrative. The temporary nature also means that the experience might evolve, especially as plans for a new building progress.
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