Museums in Pomurje: A treat for history lovers
Dear history connoisseurs, you have just discovered the perfect destination for exploring the past! Pomurje is full of unique museums and historical exhibitions that bring the colorful past of our region to life right before your eyes. There you can travel back to the times of magnificent noble families, discover the almost forgotten crafts, or learn about the exciting volcanic activity that shaped our landscape millions of years ago.
To make planning your historical trip a breeze, this article lists the key museums in Pomurje, as well as a few other stops that no museum enthusiast should miss.
#1 Must-see first stop: Pomurje Museum of Murska Sobota
If you want to learn about the everyday life in Prekmurje from the prehistoric times to the present day, there is no better place than the Pomurje Museum, located in the magnificent Baroque castle of Murska Sobota. The permanent exhibition titled “People Along the Mura River” will take you on a trip from the first archaeological finds and the times of the mighty Roman Empire to the old peasant customs that are still known to the locals today. All the key chapters of Prekmurje history in one place!
#2 Prekmurje museums with a twist: Expano!
With its unique silhouette, the Expano pavilion announces its distinctiveness from afar, which is ultimately confirmed by its interior. Although at first glance it does not seem to have anything in common with other museums in Pomurje, it has a lot in store for history enthusiasts.
There you can explore the life around the Mura River in a completely unique way – with the help of advanced technology. Embark on a 3D journey through time, zoom in on every detail in a large panoramic photograph, or interact with the local animals in holographic images.
Finally, the icing on the cake – if you arrive in the summer, you can combine exploring Prekmurje with cooling off in Lake Sobota or hopping on a standup paddleboard. A perfect blend of exploration and recreation!
#3 Discover the beekeeping tradition
By now you already know that museums in Pomurje have something for everyone! As for bee and honey lovers, the beekeeping museum in Veržej is right up their alley with its octagonal apiary, which is the only one preserved in Slovenia. Today, it is not home to bees but to numerous beekeeping tools used by former masters, from hand smokers to wax presses, and a beehive that is over 300 years old.
The beautiful scenery of the estate is complemented by herb gardens, where more than 100 honey plants thrive and an educational trail with information boards on the life of bees leads to a real, still functioning apiary. There you can see the rest of the collection, and the glass wall allows you to watch the busy bees at work.
Admit it; while reading these last few sentences you were wondering if it was possible to try any of the bee products in Veržej. Let us cheer you up: after the guided tour, there is always a honey tasting event, including homemade honey cookies, honey liqueurs and many other honey delicacies. If that doesn’t call for a visit...
#4 From medical devices to old bicycles
Welcome to Beltinci Castle, which just begs for a visit, owing to its turbulent history! On top of that, its museum holds truly unique collections. Permanent exhibitions include “The History of Healthcare in Pomurje” and “The Noble Families of Beltinci Castle,” with the exhibition of old bicycles rounding off the interesting tour. Never say you have not been told about this museum gem of Pomurje!
#5 Welcome to the open-air museum!
Interested in exploring the past under the open sky? Then be sure to stop by the Filovci Pottery Village, where you can learn about the typical local craft of the Mura River region: pottery. It is no coincidence that this open-air museum is located in Filovci, as there is practically no other village in Slovenia with a richer pottery tradition.
Half a century ago, there were over 80 master potters living in the village. They were skilled at making vast assortments of clay dishes, mostly for preparing or serving food. Today, their masterpieces are part of the permanent exhibition of the 20th-century Filovci pottery masters, which is housed in Petkov’s Farm, one of the two traditional Pannonian or cimprača houses that adorn the 1,000 m2 estate.
#6 Following the traces of a volcano
Did you know that the last volcano in Slovenia erupted in the Goričko area 3 million years ago? Part of its former crater, which was about a kilometer in diameter, is now home to the Vulkanija Adventure Park. There, you will not only learn about the colorful volcanic past of the region but also quite literally experience a volcanic eruption!
The adventure park also includes a geological museum, located in a tannery from the early 20th century. It houses olivine and geological rooms, Oli's Kitchen, and rooms dedicated to minerals and the leather processing craft.
In the Olivine Room, you can learn about olivine, a mineral whose color can be changed on an interactive screen – from transparent to green and black. Next stop is the exciting Geology Room, where you can discover the diverse geology of Goričko, the water cycle as well as the remains of prehistoric animals that roamed the area millions of years ago. A special feature of the room is an interactive sandbox where you can build your own volcano out of sand, only to see it erupt later.
In Oli's Kitchen, your elementary school knowledge is refreshed as you learn about the four main types of rocks, while the attic of the tannery holds a rich collection of minerals – you can see over 120 of them! Finally, discover how leather used to be processed and leather products were made.
#7 Travel through time at the Grad Castle
Have you ever wondered how carriage wheels or ropes were made in the past? Are you more interested in how spirits were distilled or medicinal herbs used? You can find all the answers at the Grad Castle, the largest Baroque castle in Slovenia, located in the oldest settlement in Goričko: Grad.
The Pomurje Museum of Murska Sobota hosts workshops on local crafts, from blacksmithing and pottery to wheelwrighting, distilling and herbalism. You can also discover the castle's
colorful history and, as part of a natural history exhibition, learn about the typical flora and fauna of Goričko, such as the hoopoe. If you are not yet familiar with the latter, you’re in for a surprise!
#8 And if you still haven't had enough of history...
A true museum enthusiast such as yourself will be glad to know that Pomurje has still a lot more to offer!
The beautiful Ormož Castle is home to the Regional Ptuj-Ormož Museum, where you can see exhibits ranging from medieval art to everyday objects from former Yugoslavia.
The Ljutomer General Library also houses a museum with three permanent collections. One of them is dedicated to Karol Grossmann, who shot the first Slovenian film in 1905. If you are more interested in horse racing than film art, make sure you stop by the Ljutomer Trotter Museum, which reveals the exceptionally rich history of horse breeding in this area.
And if that's not enough and you're already imagining an escape to the neighboring Austria, stop for a moment, because just before you cross the Gornja Radgona border, there is the Špital Museum. The museum building itself is absolutely impressive as a rare example of bourgeois architecture in Slovenia, boasting a unique floor plan and roof structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most famous museums in Pomurje?
Among the most important museums in Pomurje are the Pomurje Museum of Murska Sobota, a branch of the Regional Ptuj-Ormož Museum, the Beekeeping Museum in Veržej, the Geological Museum in Goričko and the Filovci Pottery Village. You can also learn about the region's diverse history by visiting castles such as the Beltinci or the Grad Castle for their exhibitions.
2. Are the museums in Pomurje worth visiting?
The museums in Pomurje are a must-see for all history lovers, as they reveal the rich history of our region from a variety of perspectives. There you can learn about the lives of numerous noble families as well as the typical Pannonian architecture, old local crafts, and geological features of the region.
3. Where are the most important museums in Prekmurje and Prlekija located?
The most important museums in Pomurje are located in the municipalities of Murska Sobota, Grad, Ljutomer, Ormož, Beltinci and Veržej.
