Ambassador of Austria to BiH Martin Pammer stated on the occasion of the campaign for the National Museum in Sarajevo “On Watch for Museum“ he was happy to join the campaign.
“Importance of the National Museum as one of the temples of culture is invaluable for the entire country. It is an institution that was established back in 1888 and the complex of facilities was built in period from 1909 to 1913, aiming to collect, preserve and display a unique archaeological, ethnological and natural collection of exhibits and for the museum to serve all peoples and citizens of the entire BiH and beyond,“ Pammer told FENA.
He reminded that the famous Sarajevo Haggadah is in that institution, which the Sephardim brought to Sarajevo after their exile from Spain.
“The National Museum, which I have visited for three times, is also part of heritage from the joint period of BiH and Austria, which is why of course it is very special to me. It is a shame and disgrace that the Museum has not served its purpose since 2012. The image of closed doors of the National Museum is very confusing for the entire state, everyone living in it and everyone visiting BiH. It is one of the first things my guests from Austria notice once they enter the center of the city,“ he emphasized.
He welcomed the initiative of civil society and their determination for the National Museum to be reopened.
He believes that shows that citizens of this country are ready to work for its progress.
“I also welcome the current engagement of the new Council of Ministers of BiH, especially Chairman Denis Zvizdić, Minister of Civil Affairs Adil Osmanović and his cultural adviser Ivica Šarić, as well as competent entity and cantonal ministers, who are seriously committed to finding a solution for important cultural institutions,“ he underlined.
He believes that solution can always be found if there is a will.
“The fact that representatives of foreign countries have joined the campaign shows the importance of this institution, for its citizens and image abroad,“ emphasized the Austrian Ambassador to BiH.
(Source: Fena/ photo akta)