The first part of the exhibition on the earliest history of the Bled area is opening
Starting April 17, 2025, visitors to Bled Castle will be able to explore the first part of a new permanent exhibition, prepared by the National Museum of Slovenia. Housed in the renovated ground floor of the castle museum, the exhibition sheds light on the natural and archaeological heritage of the Bled area—from the last Ice Age to the early beginnings of the medieval fortified complex.
The new exhibition follows modern museological principles: it places the visitor at the center, encourages independent exploration, and offers a meaningful experience that goes beyond traditional object viewing. It features interactive elements, stories of various peoples, digital applications, and a visual presentation tailored also to younger audiences.
“The exhibition is not just a presentation of the past, but an experience of space and time. It is meant for everyone—from locals of Bled to visitors from Korea,” emphasizes Dr. Alenka Miškec, project leader from the National Museum of Slovenia.
The first part opens today, the second will follow in 2026
As Bled Castle is one of the most visited attractions in Slovenia, the new permanent exhibition will be arranged in two parts. The second part, dedicated to the role of the castle and notable historical figures associated with it, will be installed on the first floor of the castle museum and is set to open in 2026.
Renovation of Spaces – Rich Alternative Offer During Works
At the beginning of 2025, intensive craftsmanship and renovation work took place on the ground floor of the museum: restoration of the parquet flooring, upgrades to the electrical, heating, and security systems. During the closure of these spaces, the Bled Cultural Institute offered visitors three substitute exhibitions, including the Krapina Neanderthal exhibition and an exhibition on the history of Khisl Castle.
From Archaeological Beginnings to a Modern Museum
The exhibition is based on research by the National Museum of Slovenia, which played a key role in the first archaeological excavations in Bled after 1948. It was from these early explorations that the idea was born to turn Bled Castle into a museum—and that story continues today with the new exhibition.
“Let the castle become a museum—that was already our vision in 1955. With this new exhibition, we are reviving that idea in a modern way,” says Dr. Mateja Kos Zabel, Director of the National Museum of Slovenia.
Special Focus on Young Visitors
The new exhibition also features the museum mascot Živa and a digital experience that allows visitors to virtually transform into members of past peoples. The exhibition is available in multiple languages and is adapted for different age groups.
MORE INFORMATION:
Maja Bahar, Communications Department
National Museum of Slovenia, Prešernova 20, 1000 Ljubljana
T: +386 (0)1 241 44 04, M: +386 (0)41 931 011, E: maja.bahar@nms.si
Mojca Polajnar Peternelj, Public Relations
Institute for Culture Bled, Cesta svobode 11, 4260 Bled
M: +386 51 314 544, E: mojca.polajnar@zkbled.si