Pokrajinski muzej Ptuj Ormož – Ptujski grad

About the museum

The castle hill above Ptuj has been settled since the 5th millennium BC. In Roman Petovio a fortress and sanctuaries stood on it, and in the early Middle Ages a Slavic cemetery. The medieval fortress was built in the 11th century, when the castle and town belonged to the Archdiocese of Salzburg. The archbishops leased the castle to the lords of Ptuj, who during their time in Ptuj founded Dominican and Minorite monasteries and built the pilgrimage church at Ptujska Gora.

Between 1656 and 1802 the Counts Leslie lived in the castle, and from 1873 to 1945 the Counts Herberstein. After the Second World War the castle was nationalised and, with its rich furnishings, became part of the Ptuj museum.

The museum's beginnings go back to 1893, when a museum society was founded in Ptuj and archaeological finds were displayed in the then lower grammar school. In 1895 the collection was enriched with numerous gifts, and the museum was named after the donor Franz Ferk as the Mestni Ferkov muzej. In 1928 it moved into the former Dominican monastery; after 1945 it also took over the castle complex. In 1963 it received the name Pokrajinski muzej Ptuj, and today it operates across the wider area of Ptuj and Ormož. The most visited collections are in Ptuj Castle.

Highlights

• Collection of around 300 musical instruments, the richest in Slovenia, including a rare Roman double pipe
• Collection of weapons with more than 500 objects in the Romanesque palace
• Collection of traditional carnival masks, including the kurenti (koranti)
• Reverse glass painting collection with a reconstruction of a craft painting workshop
• Collection of feudal domestic culture and the castle gallery

Permanent exhibitions

• Zbirka tradicionalnih pustnih mask – The collection presents carnival masks from the Ptuj and Drava fields, the Haloze and Slovenske gorice regions, including the most widespread kurent or koranti.
• Zbirka glasbil – Around 300 instruments for art and folk music, including a Roman double pipe from the 2nd or 3rd century; the collection is the richest in Slovenia.
• Zbirka orožja – In the old ceremonial hall of the Romanesque palace more than 500 pieces of weapons and protective equipment from the 15th to the 20th century are displayed, mostly from the nearby Vurberk castle.

Founded

1893

Operated by

Pokrajinski muzej Ptuj Ormož

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission for individual visitors on open-door days: 8 February, Shrove Tuesday, 15 May, 18 May, the third Saturday in June (summer museum night, 18:00–24:00), 3 December, and 24 and 31 December.

The guided tour price applies to guided tours in Slovenian, English or German. Free admission is also granted to holders of the SMD, SAD, SED, SKD, SUZD and ZDSLU cards, members of ICOM and ICOMOS, journalists with a PRESS card, accompanying persons of school groups and group guides. The price list applies from 1 May 2026.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking
• 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

Because of its location, the castle is not yet fully accessible. The path from the car park below the castle is asphalted but steep (about 500 m); for wheelchair users it is only possible with assistance. Two parking spaces for persons with disabilities are in front of the entrance to the walls (access by barrier; call +386 51 340 253 or +386 2 748 03 60). The lower castle courtyard with its viewing terrace, and the ticket office and exhibition rooms in the entrance building, are accessible independently; movement between the lower and upper courtyards is very difficult or impossible. Adapted toilets have not yet been installed. Obstacles inside are marked with contrast; the ceremonial hall has an induction loop. Wheelchair users are advised to give at least three days' notice (movable ramps, opening of doors).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Free Museum Weekend for families with children older than four, usually on the third Saturday of the month. Museum cards (searching for dragons and old castle furniture) are available at the ticket office; during holidays and public holidays riddles are hidden in the rooms. Family activities are also organised for the cultural holiday, the summer museum night and the pre-Christmas period.

Getting there & parking

In the old town centre an electric vehicle runs on call under the name “Zapeljivec” (expected from mid-May to mid-October; booking on 051 20 40 20), which brings visitors to the castle courtyard.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 150 guests.

Hire of the ceremonial hall (up to 150 persons, sound system, internet, projector, piano), the Romanesque palace, the tournament area and the castle courtyard for concerts, symposia, receptions and business meetings; a wedding in the castle is also possible.

Plan your visit