Discover Maribor through museum collections and art

Pokrajinski muzej Maribor (Maribor regional museum) is housed in Mariborski grad (Maribor castle) in the city centre. Its collections include archaeological and ethnological objects, as well as material related to fashion, pharmacy, weapons, musical instruments, furniture, photography and numismatics. Together, they tell the story of life in Maribor and the wider region.

The castle itself also makes the visit worthwhile. Its most magnificent spaces include the Rococo staircase, the knights’ hall and the Loretto chapel. Before arriving, check the opening hours, admission arrangements and guided tour times.

Muzej narodne osvoboditve Maribor (National liberation museum Maribor) is housed in the former Scherbaum villa beside Mestni park Maribor (Maribor city park). It presents the recent history of Maribor and northeastern Slovenia, particularly the city’s industrial development, Rudolf Maister’s activities and the struggles for the northern border, life between the two world wars, the Second World War and the post-war period.

Through museum objects, documents, photographs and personal stories, the exhibitions explore the changes that shaped the city in the 20th century. A visit is therefore a good opportunity to understand the history behind today’s Maribor.

Umetnostna galerija Maribor (Maribor art gallery) is one of Slovenia’s largest museums of modern and contemporary art. Its collection comprises more than 10,000 works by Slovenian artists from the late 19th century to the present. Its programme also features international artists and current trends in contemporary art.

Alongside paintings, sculptures and prints, you can see photography, video, multimedia installations and interactive projects. As exhibitions change and spaces may close temporarily during installation, check the current programme and exhibition location before visiting.

Alongside Umetnostna galerija Maribor (Maribor art gallery), many other exhibition spaces enrich Maribor’s gallery scene. KIBLA presents contemporary art and new media projects; Galerija Media Nox (Media Nox gallery) also gives young artists a platform; Galerija DLUM (DLUM gallery) exhibits works by its members and guest artists; and Galerija Hest (Hest gallery) organises exhibitions and sells art.

Several venues are concentrated in the Židovska cultural quarter. Start your walk at Sinagoga Maribor (Maribor synagogue) on Židovski trg (Jewish square), visit Fotogalerija Stolp (Stolp photogallery) in Židovski stolp (Jewish tower), then continue to Galerija DLUM (DLUM gallery) and Galerija Media Nox (Media Nox gallery) on Židovska ulica. Check which exhibitions are currently on display before visiting.

Fotogalerija Stolp (Stolp photogallery) occupies a former defence tower and is dedicated to photographic art. Fotografski muzej Maribor (Photography museum Maribor) preserves photographic equipment, material and collections illustrating the development of photography. KIBLA and other contemporary exhibition spaces often present video, digital art and intermedia projects.

Current exhibitions change frequently. Check the events calendar before visiting: openings, artist talks, guided tours and festivals can add another dimension to a regular exhibition visit.

Lutkovni muzej Maribor (Maribor puppetry museum) is located in the attic of the renovated Tri babe building on Vojašniški trg, close to Lutkovno gledališče Maribor (Maribor puppet theatre). It displays a selection of almost 100 distinctive puppets created for and used in the theatre’s productions, reflecting fifty years of its professional work.

The exhibition is designed for visitors of all ages. Alongside puppets, it presents costumes, sketches and pieces of stage scenery. Visitors can try their hand at bringing puppets to life on an interactive stage.

For earlier history, castle interiors and regional collections, choose Pokrajinski muzej Maribor (Maribor regional museum).

For 20th-century history, visit Muzej narodne osvoboditve Maribor (National liberation museum Maribor).

For modern and contemporary art, start at Umetnostna galerija Maribor (Maribor art gallery).

For photography, visit Fotogalerija Stolp (Stolp photogallery) or Fotografski muzej Maribor (Photography museum Maribor).

For new media and current contemporary work, check the programme at KIBLA and the smaller galleries.

For a family visit, combine Lutkovni muzej Maribor (Maribor puppetry museum) with exploring Lent and Minoriti (Minorite complex).

Visit Pokrajinski muzej Maribor (Maribor regional museum) or Muzej narodne osvoboditve Maribor (National liberation museum Maribor) in the morning, then stroll through the city centre. In the afternoon, choose an exhibition at Umetnostna galerija Maribor (Maribor art gallery, UGM) and continue to the galleries around Židovski trg (Jewish square). If you are travelling with children, replace or complement the history museum with Lutkovni muzej Maribor (Maribor puppetry museum) on Lent.

Museums and galleries have different opening hours, and some spaces close temporarily while exhibitions are being installed. Also check ticket prices, guided tour options, accessibility and photography rules. Advance notice is recommended for groups, as visits can often be tailored to the visitors’ interests.