Muzej Velenje

About the museum

Velenje Castle is one of the better-preserved castles in Slovenia. It is first mentioned in written sources in 1270; over the centuries it was extended, and in the 16th century it received its present form as a Renaissance manor with a mighty rondel. The first owners were the lords of Kunšperk, then the lords of Ptuj; in the 15th century the Lichtenberg family, and in the 16th century the Wagen zu Wagensberg family, who rebuilt the castle most extensively.

The Muzej Velenje (Velenje Museum) is housed in the castle, which also manages several other units in the valley. Among the permanent exhibitions is Mastodonti (Mastodons), which presents the discovery of fossil proboscideans at Škale in 1964, when subsidence caused by coal mining was destroying settlements. The African collection, spread over four rooms, presents the life and work of the sculptor and researcher František Foit, and the permanent sculpture exhibition presents the work of Ciril Cesar.

The castle chapel from the 17th century holds a small collection of Baroque church art from the demolished church of St George in Škale. The exhibition “Šaleška dolina 1941–1945” (Šalek Valley 1941–1945) is among the three permanent exhibitions that are also accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Highlights

• Velenje Castle from the 13th century with a Renaissance rondel
• Mastodons exhibition: fossil proboscideans from Škale (discovered 1964)
• African collection of František Foit in four rooms
• Permanent exhibition of the sculptor Ciril Cesar
• Castle chapel with Baroque church art from Škale

Permanent exhibitions

• Mastodonti – Exhibition on the discovery of fossil proboscidean remains at Škale in 1964 and on the prehistoric animals of the Šalek Valley.
• Afrika – The African collection in four rooms presents the life and research expeditions of the sculptor František Foit.
• Stalna razstava kiparja Cirila Cesarja – The exhibition presents the work of the academic sculptor and industrial designer Ciril Cesar.

Operated by

Muzej Velenje

Admission & discounts

Free admission for pre-school children accompanied by adults, companions of groups, all groups of disabled people (except working disabled persons) and their companions, holders of ICOM, SMD, SED and PRESS cards, and unemployed persons with a certificate from the Zavod za zaposlovanje (Employment Service). A favourable combined ticket with the Muzej premogovništva Slovenije (Museum of Slovenian Coal Mining) is available.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

The castle is reached by road and on foot by stairs or a forest path; large buses cannot reach the castle. The three permanent exhibitions (Mastodons, Šalek Valley 1941–1945 and the castle chapel) are accessible to people with reduced mobility in the outer part of the castle, as is the lower room of the rondel; the toilets are not suitable for people with reduced mobility. For blind and partially sighted visitors there are inscriptions in Braille, a guide in Braille with tactile pictures and replicas of objects to touch. Guided tours in sign language and adapted tours are possible by arrangement; for users of hearing aids an induction loop is available. Information in easy-to-read language is available at the entrance and on the website. The museum carries the “Psom dostopen muzej” (Psom Accessible Museum) sign.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Family ticket, children’s birthday celebrations and the Mladi muzealci (Young Museum Curators) programme.

Getting there & parking

Access by car or on foot by stairs or the forest path. Large buses cannot reach the castle.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Rental of spaces for events, fairs, photography and filming; civil weddings at the castle; a castle escape room.

Plan your visit