Art – Republic of Serbia

On the occasion of the World Children’s Day (20 November), let’s see how a beloved children’s poem has been reimagined, promoting intergenerational dialogue and inclusivity.

In 2025, the Hedgehog’s Home – Inventing a Better World project was awarded the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award (Award, Grand Prix) in the category of Citizens Engagement and Awareness-raising.

Branko Ćopić’s poem “Hedgehog’s Home” held a special place in the childhood memories of generations born in the former Yugoslavia. Seventy years after its publication, the poem continues to evoke a shared sense of identity and nostalgia.

The Museum of Yugoslavia in Belgrade developed a project and exhibition with the aim of opening a dialogue around common heritage and its potential to help us rethink concepts of home, xenophobia, mental health, and our relationship with the past.

The exhibition consisted of two parts.

• The first part was carried out in collaboration with children aged five to ten from Belgrade, Zagreb and Sarajevo, as well as scenography students from the University of Belgrade. By cross-referencing the results of the children's workshops and research outcomes, the concept was developed by an interdisciplinary creative team – including artists, educators, psychologists and other professionals – using a co-design methodology. The result was an interactive exhibition offering a kinesthetic experience and stimulating imagination.
• The second part of the exhibition adopted a documentary approach, focusing on the life and work of Branko Ćopić (1915–1984). The exhibition explored the interplay between literature, memory, biography and broader social narratives.

During the course of the project, more than 100 creative workshops were organised across Serbia, with mental health being a key theme throughout.

The entire exhibition was made accessible in Serbian Sign Language, in partnership with members of the local deaf community. A theatrical video performance was also created and later incorporated into the school curriculum for deaf pupils in Serbia.

The Awards’ Jury described the project as “An emotionally powerful and inclusive museum project that focuses on storytelling, intangible heritage, and the safeguarding of shared cultural narratives”.

Bonus Trivia!

Due to public interest, the exhibition was extended twice and attracted more than 150,000 visitors.

Watch the relevant video here.

Sources and photographs taken from: https://www.europeanheritageawards.eu/winners/hedgehog-home-inventing-a-better-world/

All photographs: © Aleksandar Krstović, 2023

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