Department of Archeology of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina held a presentation of results of the project "Preventive conservation of collections of the National Museum of BiH", which was funded from the Special Fund of US Ambassadors for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, that is by the U.S. Department of State (USD 625.000,00). The Commission to Preserve National Monuments implements the project that started in 2015.

At the presentation of the project results, reporters were addressed by His Excellency Eric Nelson, the Ambassador of the USA in BiH, Amir Pasic, the President of the Commission to Preserve National Monuments, Mirsad Sijaric, the director of the National Museum, and Elmedin Konakovic, the President of the CS Assembly, who announced the support of the CS Government towards the completion of the project.

The aim of the project is to support the reconstruction of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo through restoration and preventive conservation, which should prevent further deterioration of museum’s material by introducing high standards of protection and creating optimal conditions for its preservation.

Throughout the four phases of project implementation, a level of protection of the collections has been harmonized with international standards. In that sense, within the project, works on installation of fire protection systems in archeology and natural sciences buildings were completed, as well as the installation of video surveillance in the entire complex of the National Museum of BiH. The state-of-the-art video surveillance system was built into museum’s objects, with a total of 104 external and internal cameras and anti-burglary sensors, which significantly enhanced security against theft and vandalism. The protection against vandalism and theft was also enhanced by the restoration of balustrade fences on the terraces of the museum, which, in addition to their functionality, contribute to the aesthetic value of the ambience.

Apart from the mentioned activities, the restoration of the roof and interior were carried out in the Archeology Department, as well as the restoration of the wall paintings.

Within the project, sophisticated equipment was acquired in order to conduct the procedures of preventive conservation of the collections. The equipment comprises thirteen modern appliances that will advance the work of the Department of Conservation of the National Museum of BiH and improve the present practice of applying the preventive conservation measures.

All of the above mentioned works within this demanding project will create the conditions for setting up the exhibition "Bosnia and Herzegovina in Prehistoric Time", which will be represented after a long pause in the refurbished exhibition halls of the Archeology Department.

Throughout the activities within the project, an architectural project for roof restoration on the building of the Department of Natural Sciences was carried out, and the funds for carrying out the works should be provided with new donations.

We emphasize that this project is of utmost importance not only for the identity of the City of Sarajevo, but also for the entire BiH heritage, and it presents continuation of the successful long-standing cooperation between the Commission to Preserve National Monuments of BiH, the National Museum of BiH and the US Embassy in Sarajevo.