The Velenje Museum, located in the historic Velenje Castle, is a prominent cultural institution in Slovenia. The castle, first mentioned in 1270 and transformed into a Renaissance residence in the 16th century, underwent significant damage and decay after World War II. It was repurposed for social housing before becoming the headquarters of the Velenje Museum in 1957, following the establishment of the Coal Mining Museum of Slovenia. Today, the museum’s coverage spans the municipalities of Velenje, Šoštanj, and Šmartno ob Paki.

The Velenje Museum features ten permanent exhibitions and a variety of temporary displays. Notable collections include František Foit’s significant African collection, among Slovenia’s top three, as well as exhibits on mastodon remains and modern Slovenian art. Additionally, the museum manages several other sites, including the Museum of the Leather Industry in Šoštanj, the Kavčnik Homestead in Zavodnje, the Gril Homestead in Lipje pri Velenju, the House of Minerals in Old Velenje, and the 1991 Memorial Centre. The F-Bunker supports local photography, while the Topolšica and Graška gora memorial rooms commemorate important historical events and figures.

Website: https://muzej-velenje.si/en/the-museum/