ID card of Nikola Koljević, PhD
Cigarette holder and glasses of Nikola Koljević, PhD
Identification badges of Nikola Koljević, PhDPermanent Exhibition - The History of the Republic of Srpska
The collection includes objects and documents gathered as part of the activities of the Museum of the Republic of Srpska, which have been significantly intensified since early 2019, marking the beginning of a more systematic process of collecting historical materials related to the Republic of Srpska. In parallel, the realization of occasional thematic exhibitions based on the collected materials was planned, with the aim of further promoting the importance of preserving historical heritage. Significant acquisitions have been made not only through the dedicated efforts of the Museum’s curator - historian and expert staff, but also thanks to the goodwill and understanding shown by donors - prominent figures from the history of the Republic of Srpska, their descendants, and family members. On behalf of the Museum of the Republic of Srpska and on my own behalf, I express sincere gratitude to all those who, through their generous and selfless donations, have made possible the establishment and enrichment of the Collection of objects and documents from the history of the Republic of Srpska. In doing so, the necessary conditions have been created for organizing thematic exhibitions dedicated to individuals, events, and processes that have shaped the history of the Republic of Srpska, as well as for developing a conceptually grounded permanent exhibition within the Museum of the Republic of Srpska.
- Curator Historian
Kočić Award presented to Nikola KoljevićPermanent Exhibition of the Museum of the Republic of Srpska
At present, the Museum of the Republic of Srpska does not have a permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of the Republic of Srpska and the contemporary period from 1990 onwards. The establishment of such an exhibition is planned for the near future, once a sufficient amount of material has been collected. The systematic collection of materials related to the history of the Republic of Srpska began in early 2019. The entire process was designed in three phases: contacting institutions, organizations, and public bodies; establishing direct contact with prominent figures from the history of the Republic of Srpska or their descendants; and issuing a public call followed by a media campaign. As a result of these efforts, many important individuals from the history of the Republic of Srpska - as well as their descendants - have donated a significant number of objects and documents of exhibition value to the Museum. This has led to the formation of the Collection on the History of the Republic of Srpska, which continues to expand. Based on the materials gathered, the Museum organized an exhibition and accompanying publication in late 2022 titled “The Paths of a Professor, a Creator, and a Statesman: Prof. Dr. Nikola Koljević (1936 - 1997)”, authored by MA Ostoja Railić, historian and senior curator, and expert associate for the history of the Republic of Srpska. In the upcoming period, the Museum plans to present similar exhibitions dedicated to individuals, events, and historical processes relevant to the Republic of Srpska. Following these thematic presentations, a permanent exhibition will be developed to encompass the history of the Republic of Srpska, including the contemporary period from 1990 onwards.
Historical Collection of the Republic of Srpska
Donations and Legacies
In recent years, the Museum of the Republic of Srpska has received a valuable body of material related to the history of the Republic of Srpska in the form of donations and personal legacies. The Collection on the History of the Republic of Srpska was established in a particularly significant way - with a donation from the Koljević family. Mrs. Milica Koljević, Bogdana Koljević Griffith, PhD, and Srđan Koljević, PhD, donated the valuable personal legacy of Nikola Koljević, PhD (1936 - 1997) to the Museum. The collection was further enriched through the contributions of Colonel Ilija Lukić from the 16th Krajina Motorized Brigade of the 1st Krajina Corps of the Army of the Republic of Srpska (VRS), as well as Colonel Zlatan Crnalić, pilot of the Air Force and Air Defence of the Republic of Srpska (ViPVO VRS). A further significant addition was the legacy of the late President of the Republic of Srpska, Milan Jelić, PhD (1956 - 2007), donated to the Museum by Mrs. Milica and Mr. Petar Jelić. The collection was additionally expanded with contributions from Major General Đuro Beronja and Major General Živomir Ninković, Commander of the ViPVO VRS.
Segment on the Air Force and Air Defence of the Army of the Republic of Srpska (ViPVO VRS)
A special part of the Collection on the History of the Republic of Srpska is dedicated to the ViPVO VRS and has been formed through the donations of the Kusturić family. These contributions include artifacts from the personal legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Slobodan Kusturić (1955 - 1993), the first commander of the 92nd Mixed Aviation Brigade of the ViPVO VRS. Donors include Slavica Kusturić, Sanja Malić (née Kusturić), Ivan Kusturić, and Boban Kusturić, Director of the Helicopter Service of the Republic of Srpska. We also express sincere gratitude to Mrs. Boja Milovanović for donating artifacts from Colonel General Manojlo Milovanović (1943 - 2019), and to former President of the Republic of Srpska, Biljana Plavšić, PhD, for her contribution to the enrichment of the collection. Lieutenant General Vinko Pandurević also contributed a selection of personal items to the collection, while Vesna Subotić and Ružica Berić Subotić donated part of the legacy of their father, Major General Bogdan Subotić (1941 - 2022).