Topilnica Hg
Interactive exhibition on mercury in the renovated Idrija smelting works, with the largest rotary furnace for roasting mercury in the world.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Idrija mercury mine was one of the largest mines of this metal in the world, and its heritage, together with Almadén, is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The smelting works, where the ore was sorted and roasted, was abandoned after production ended. The Idrija Mercury Heritage Management Centre completed the renovation on 1 February 2017 and opened the building to visitors.
In the smelting works, visitors learn through experiments, animations, videos and mercury-based devices about the properties of this unique liquid metal and its uses in science, technology, industry, medicine, culture and everyday life. The exhibition spaces are designed in a modern and interactive way, and visits are self-guided.
Topilnica Hg boasts the largest rotary furnace for roasting mercury in the world and the only surviving and restored Čermak-Špirek furnace. A VR experience of the rotary furnace is also available.
Highlights
- Largest rotary furnace for roasting mercury in the world
- The only surviving Čermak-Špirek furnace
- Interactive exhibition on mercury
- VR experience of the rotary furnace
- Self-guided visit
Permanent exhibition
- Interaktivna razstava o živem srebru – Exhibition with experiments, animations and devices showing the properties and uses of mercury from prehistory to the present day.
- Founded
- 2017
- Operated by
- CUDHg Idrija – Center za upravljanje z dediščino živega srebra
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €8pensioners, students (aged 16–26) |
| Children & teens | €5Children aged 6 to 15: €5; children under 5: €2. |
| Seniors | €8 |
| Students & apprentices | €8Students aged 16 to 26. |
| Families | €242 adults and 2 children under 15; each additional child €2. |
| VR experience of the rotary furnace (adults) | €5Children aged 6–15: €3; family ticket €12. |
| Lov na Alkimistični zaklad (Hunt for the Alchemist's Treasure), family experience | €28Up to 2 adults and up to 2 children under 15; each additional child €2. |
| Combined ticket Antonijev rov + Topilnica Hg (April–June, September–October, adults) | €20From November to March €17, in July and August €22. |
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- 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
According to the operator, the exhibition is adapted for vulnerable groups; there is no age limit.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 75 min |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €24 · 2 adults and 2 children under 15; each additional child €2. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
There is no age limit; a family ticket and the family experience Lov na Alkimistični zaklad are available.
Getting there & parking
Topilnica Hg is about 1500 m from the Antonijev rov.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The exhibition is designed for self-guided visits, which take about an hour and a quarter. Dogs are allowed. |
