A group of Bosnian artists plans to turn a former nuclear shelter into a museum dedicated to the Cold War.
In the labyrinth of tunnels, dark chambers and heavy metal doors, the bunker built by Josip Broz Tito, art exhibitions have been organized since 2011. However, the artists are now planning something new, writes Reuters.
"We want to create a Cold War museum, a hybrid museum that will be both military and artistic," said Edo Hozic, who led the initiative to open the shelter to the public. "Once we're inside, we'll travel through time."
The bunker near Konjic was built in secret from 1953 to 1979 on about 6.500 square meters, 300 meters below the surface of the earth, and its purpose was to shelter Tito, his family members and closest associates in the event of an atomic disaster, i.e. approx. 350 people, in order to provide them with a smooth life for six months.
The shelter became known after the breakup of Yugoslavia, when it became a military asset of independent Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was handed over to the munitions factory in Konjic, which wants to use its two storage locations, even though the bunker itself has been declared a national monument.
Last Sunday, Hozić opened the third cycle of the Biennial Contemporary Art Project in the bunker, with the works of 25 artists, whose theme this year is an alternative way of life during the Cold War, such as anti-war protests, and environmental and women's movements.
"The works cover the period of the Cold War, everything that this bunker slept through during its long-term isolation," Hozić said. The proposal to open the museum was submitted to the government, and the ministers gave their verbal support.
Albanian artist Helidon Đerđi said: "I think it's a visionary idea that others should emulate."
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