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ICAR Canned Beef Monument: A Sardonic Symbol of Survival

A tongue-in-cheek Sarajevo landmark, the Canned Beef Monument symbolizes resilience and a city's complex relationship with international aid.

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The ICAR Canned Beef Monument in Sarajevo is a public sculpture shaped like a can of beef, erected as a sarcastic tribute to the international aid received during the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s. It stands as a reminder of the city's resilience and dark humor in the face of adversity.

A brief summary to ICAR Canned Beef Monument

  • Marijin Dvor, Sarajevo 71000, Sarajevo, Novo Sarajevo, BA

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs and to avoid crowds.
  • Engage with local bystanders; they often share fascinating stories about the monument's history and significance.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the surrounding Marijin Dvor area to fully experience local culture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The ICAR Canned Beef Monument is located in the Marijin Dvor neighborhood, easily accessible on foot from the city center. From the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, walk behind the History Museum towards the Miljacka River. The monument will be on a walking path. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the ICAR Canned Beef Monument via public transport, take a tram or bus to the Marijin Dvor stop. Tram lines such as Line 3 service the area. From the Marijin Dvor stop, it is a short walk to the monument. A single journey ticket costs 1.80 KM (€0.90) if purchased from the driver or 1.60 KM (€0.80) if purchased at a kiosk.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Sarajevo. A taxi ride from the city center to the ICAR Canned Beef Monument should be a short trip. Expect to pay around 8 BAM for a 5km ride. Taxi rates start at 2 BAM, with an additional 1.2 BAM per kilometer.

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Discover more about ICAR Canned Beef Monument

The ICAR Canned Beef Monument, located in the Marijin Dvor neighborhood of Sarajevo, is more than just a quirky piece of public art; it's a poignant symbol of the city's wartime experience. Dedicated on April 6, 2007, the monument represents a giant can of beef, a staple food supplied by international organizations during the Siege of Sarajevo from 1992 to 1995. Created by artist Nebojša Šerić Šoba, the monument is inscribed with the words "Monument to the International Community by the grateful citizens of Sarajevo". However, this gratitude is laced with irony. While the aid provided sustenance, it was often of poor quality, sometimes expired, and occasionally culturally inappropriate, such as the inclusion of pork in a predominantly Muslim city. Legend has it that even the local animals wouldn't eat the canned beef. The monument serves as a reminder of the hardships endured during the siege, the longest in modern warfare, and the resourcefulness of the city's inhabitants. It also subtly critiques the nature of international intervention, suggesting that weapons were needed more than unwanted food. Despite its critical undertones, the ICAR Canned Beef Monument stands as a testament to the strength and dark humor of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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