When people search for Sarajevo attractions, they often think of the old town, history, or film. But there is another story—one that reveals Sarajevo as a center of global industry and design. It is the story of ŠIPAD, a name that once stood among the most powerful in Europe.
Today, this remarkable legacy can be discovered at Planet Sarajevo, one of the most unique museums in Sarajevo and a true hidden gem for visitors looking to understand the city beyond its well-known landmarks.
ŠIPAD was never just a company—it was a complete industrial ecosystem. Built on the natural resources of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it connected forestry, design, engineering, manufacturing, and international trade into one powerful system.
At its peak, ŠIPAD employed around 85,000 people, including engineers, architects, designers, and skilled workers. This scale positioned Sarajevo as a serious player on the global industrial stage.
Sarajevo’s Global Furniture Export Power
During its most successful years, ŠIPAD became the largest European exporter of furniture to markets such as the United States and Australia. Even more impressively, the company operated ten of its own furniture factories in the United States—an achievement that still surprises many today.
ŠIPAD products furnished homes, hotels, embassies, and public institutions around the world. At a time when global design accessibility was still developing, Sarajevo was already exporting high-quality, modern furniture across continents.
Design, Culture, and Everyday Life
ŠIPAD was not only an industrial success—it was also a cultural phenomenon. Its award-winning television commercials became part of everyday life, remembered for their memorable slogans and modern, confident messaging.
These campaigns reflected a powerful idea: that good design and quality should be available to everyone. This philosophy helped shape not only interiors, but also the identity of a generation.
Discover the ŠIPAD Story at Planet Sarajevo
At Planet Sarajevo, the story of ŠIPAD is brought to life through immersive storytelling and multimedia exhibitions. Rather than presenting it as nostalgia, the museum frames ŠIPAD as a perspective—a reminder of Sarajevo’s global ambition and industrial strength.
Visitors can explore how a city known today for culture and history was once also a leader in global production, innovation, and design.
A Hidden Story of Sarajevo’s Global Impact
If you are searching for things to do in Sarajevo, discovering stories like ŠIPAD offers a deeper understanding of the city. It reveals Sarajevo not only as a place of history, but as a city of ideas, creativity, and global influence.
Planet Sarajevo stands out among new museums in Sarajevo by telling these lesser-known stories with depth, context, and pride. Because Sarajevo was never just a place that followed trends—it was a city that helped create them.
