Museum
Bogenšperk entered history and the Slovenian national consciousness thanks to the famous Carniolan polymath Janez Vajkard Valvasor (1641–1693), who lived and worked at the castle for twenty years. Within these castle walls, all of his famous works were created, one of the largest libraries of its time established, and the first collections of rare and interesting objects assembled. Valvasor’s collecting activities at Bogenšperk represent the beginnings of Slovenian museology.
The museum presents the life and work of Janez Vajkard Valvasor, as well as the history of the castle and surrounding areas. Several valuable objects are on display, including four original books by the famous polymath dating from the last quarter of the 17th century.
In his study, we also keep the original Glory of the Duchy of Carniola from 1689. On the second floor, castle furnishings from the period of the castle’s last owners are on display.
Bogenšperk through time
An insight into the varied history of Bogenšperk Castle – from its mysterious beginnings under the Wagen family, its development into a real cultural and scientific centre during the Valvasor era, as an elegant annual mansion during the Windisch-Grätz era, to its transformation into a public cultural institution with the status of a monument of national importance.
Valvasoriana
A permanent exhibition about the life and work of Janez Vajkard Valvasor highlights new findings about the famous polymath and sheds light on life in Carniola in the 17th century.
Valvasor’s workroom with copperplate printing press
Reconstruction of the first copperplate printing house on Slovenian soil and Valvasor’s work cabinet with its distinctive black columns and the greatest treasure to be found within the castle walls – a copy of the Glory of the Duchy of Carniola from 1689.
The scene of human death in three parts
Valvasor’s artwork from 1682 which reveals the spiritual image of the time. This is the polymath’s last book, printed at Bogenšperk.
Library
The former castle library is now furnished in the style of the last private owners, and still contains an original cupboard from the time of the Windisch-Grätz family, a coffered ceiling from the second half of the 18th century, and an organ. Wedding ceremonies have also been held there for many years.
Superstition and witchcraft in Slovenia
An overview exhibition about one of the darkest periods in human history. It uncovers the causes of the systematic persecution of witchcraft, the sad stories of the accused and the echoes of witchcraft to this day.
Russian-Slovenian centre of Davorin Hostnik
Dedicated to the author of the first Russian-Slovene and Slovenian-Russian dictionary. The mission of the RSCDH centre is to strengthen cultural and scientific contacts between Slavic people. It was created in cooperation between the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Slovenia, the municipality of Šmartno pri Litiji and the Public Institute Bogenšperk.
The museum collections are available for individual viewing or accompanied by a guide. Guided tours are available for groups, by reservation, in Slovenian, English, German and Croatian.
