This museum is dedicated to Alija Izetbegović, the first president of an independent Bosnia and Herzegovina. The museum is housed in the old city gates, Ploča and Širokac, which are remnants of the old fortified city, Vratnik, that was built in the 18th century.

Not far from the museum is the memorial to martyrs in Kovači, with the mausoleum and last resting place of their wartime commander, Alija Izetbegović, which lies among the graves of the defenders of Sarajevo.

The entrance to the museum is located in Ploča Gate, which houses a library of Alija’s works, as well as a few of his personal items. Visitors can also watch the films, The Audacity of Living and In the Service of Bosnia, which talk about the first president.

Up on the first floor there are nine exhibit panels which tell the story of Alija’s life through texts and photographs and the central part of this space displays the many awards and recognitions that he received.

There is an enclosed passage that runs between Ploča Gate and Širokac Gate and the latter houses an exhibit dedicated to Alija Izetbegović in his role as Commander of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.