Olympic Museum

The Villa Mandić, located on the edge of a slope with a stunning view of the city, was designed in the style of aristocratic courts and palaces. Adjacent to it stands the impressive tower of Heinrik Reiter's villa, a director of the Sarajevo Brewery, also designed by Paržik. Unfortunately, the Villa Mandić, along with the Oriental Institute and the National Library, was shelled and destroyed at the beginning of the war in Sarajevo in 1992.

 

Despite the challenging wartime conditions, the exhibits of the Olympic Museum were saved and stored in the basements of OC “Zetra.” Restoration work was undertaken to repair the damages caused by the shelling. The possibility of reconstructing and adapting the Villa Mandić was always under consideration, leading to the development of a reconstruction project in 1998.

 

The restoration project began in 2000, with the roof structure, woodwork, and concrete interior partially restored. The facade and interior were adapted, expanding the museum's capacity and creating multifunctional spaces. The Olympic Museum now serves as the seat of the Olympic Academy of Bosnia and Herzegovina, promoting sports heritage and Olympic values.

 

After the renovation, the management of the Olympic Museum was handed over to the Museum of Contemporary Art “Ars Aevi.” The museum showcases exhibits from the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo and the 2019 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF). The completion of the renovation was made possible through the efforts of the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Olympic Solidarity, the City of Sarajevo, and the wider community, despite the challenging socio-economic conditions.

 

Today, the Museum provides an enhanced environment for the presentation of museum materials and ongoing programs, preserving the legacy of the 1984 Winter Olympics and promoting the values of Olympism.