Muzej Grad Štanjel

About the museum

Štanjel is one of the oldest settlements on the Karst; its present appearance was given to the hill Turn in the Middle Ages. The restored castle with its castle courtyard is now the centre of visits: it houses the visitor centre in the foyer of the Maks Hall, the museum, the gallery, a wine shop and a restaurant.

The Muzej Grad Štanjel (Muzej Grad Štanjel) combines the interactive exhibition “Narava in človek na Krasu” (Nature and Man on the Karst) with the Muzej slovenskega jezika in knjige (Museum of the Slovene Language and Book). The Karst exhibition addresses visitors through several senses: in a wind tunnel visitors can feel the force of the bora, get to know Karst stone, the Štanjel water supply system and the natural features of the Karst. Also presented are the collection of Blaž Vehovar on the Karst shepherd, finds from hillforts and from the time of the Cobenzl family, and exhibits from the Škocjan Caves Park.

The Museum of the Slovene Language and Book tells the story of the language and the book through seven experiences, including the beginnings of the standard language, the Reformation, and dictionaries and grammars. In the castle there is also the Lojze Spacal Gallery, where a permanent exhibition of works by this painter and printmaker (1907–2000) has been on display since 1988; he drew his motifs from the Karst and Istria.

Highlights

• Interactive exhibition “Narava in človek na Krasu” (Nature and Man on the Karst) with a bora wind tunnel
• Museum of the Slovene Language and Book with seven experiences
• Lojze Spacal Gallery with a permanent exhibition of prints and paintings
• Blaž Vehovar’s collection on the Karst shepherd
• Castle courtyard with views of the old village of Štanjel
• Guided tours of the village and the Ferrari Garden

Permanent exhibitions

• Narava in človek na Krasu – An interactive exhibition on the nature and culture of the Karst, with a bora wind tunnel, Karst stone, the Štanjel water supply system, collections on the Karst shepherd and finds from hillforts.
• Muzej slovenskega jezika in knjige – Seven experiences on the development of the Slovene language and book, with the exhibitions “Jezični možje” (Language Men), “Reformatorji v stripu” (Reformers in Comics) and “Poljub z jezikom” (A Kiss with Language).
• Galerija Lojzeta Spacala – Permanent exhibition of prints and paintings by Lojze Spacal (1907–2000), who worked mainly in linocut and woodcut with Karst and Istrian motifs.

Founded

1988

Admission & discounts

Admission to the Lojze Spacal Gallery is €7 for adults; to the Muzej Grad Štanjel €9 for adults. All prices are per person and include VAT.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

People with reduced mobility can reach the visitor centre, the Maks Hall, the Muzej Grad Štanjel, the castle courtyard and the restaurant. Because the village is terraced, access is not possible to all points. Toilets for people with reduced mobility are by the Kobdilj Tower and in the foyer of the Maks Hall.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Children up to 6 years old with their parents receive a free ticket for guided tours and experiences. The exhibition “Narava in človek na Krasu” is interactive. A changing table is in the toilet by the Kobdilj Tower. A pram cannot reach all points of the terraced village.

Getting there & parking

For group coaches there is a free car park at Štanjel railway station (about 650 m from the bus stop).

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Grad Štanjel Restaurant and the Vinoteka Grad Štanjel wine shop in the castle courtyard; a Karst shop with products from the Karst and the Brkini in the ground floor of the gallery.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 120 guests.

The renovated castle rooms are suitable for business meetings (events for up to 120 people) and weddings, including in the wedding room.

Plan your visit