Museum
A LOOK INTO HISTORY THROUGH THE MUSEUM COLLECTION
A window into Bled’s past
The museum at Bled Castle, operating under the auspices of the National Museum of Slovenia, offers a professionally curated insight into the rich history of Bled and its castle. Through its permanent exhibition, it highlights the area's development from prehistory to the present, relying on verified historical facts and archaeological findings. The displayed exhibits tell stories of the first settlers, medieval nobility, and the cultural heritage that has shaped this unique place over the centuries. The museum allows visitors to delve into the past through a scientifically grounded presentation and understand the significance of Bled Castle in a broader historical context.
THE CREATION OF THE MUSEUM AS A CENTRAL CULTURAL HUB
The early development of museum activity
Museum activity began to develop in the second half of the 20th century, when it became clear that the castle building was not only an architectural monument but also an important historical and cultural center. The first museum collections were set up in the 1960s with the aim of presenting the history of the castle and its wider surroundings. A significant milestone was the museum’s inclusion under the management of the National Museum of Slovenia, which enabled a professional enhancement of the exhibition content and the incorporation of the latest archaeological findings.
THE MUSEUM AS A MODERN GUARDIAN OF HERITAGE
The current role and significance of the museum
Over the decades, the exhibition has been updated multiple times and today offers a comprehensive overview of Bled’s past, presenting key historical figures and events that have shaped this area. Through ongoing research, the museum continuously enhances its content and maintains its role as the central guardian of the heritage of Bled Castle.
CASTLE ROOMS SHINING IN A NEW FORM
Renovation with the future in mind
The renovation works carried out in early 2025 on the ground floor of Bled Castle included the restoration of the parquet flooring, electrical wiring, the upgrade of heating and security systems, and a complete refurbishment of the walls. The new permanent exhibition at Bled Castle introduces numerous new archaeological findings. It presents visitors with the oldest gold discovered in the territory of present-day Slovenia, dating back to the Late Bronze Age, and explores settlement from the end of the last Ice Age to the arrival of Slavic families. In this way, the historical journey of the Bled area becomes a comprehensive story of people and their lives through the millennia, told through selected artifacts, illustrations, and modern design.
From golden prehistory to the bird of paradise
Ice Age giant
In the new permanent exhibition at Bled Castle, you can see a partially preserved skeleton of a moose (Alces alces), approximately 10,000 years old, discovered near Bled. This find testifies that these majestic herbivores inhabited the Slovenian Alps in the period following the last Ice Age. The impressive antlers and powerful stature of the moose illustrate the rich fauna of an era when the landscape around Bled was undergoing dramatic changes.
Bird of paradise from the 6th century
In the museum at Bled Castle, you can see the famous 6th-century brooch in the shape of a peacock, known as the "bird of paradise." This remarkable bronze piece of jewelry, found at Pristava below the castle, symbolizes life, abundance, and wealth. Its finely crafted details testify to the high artistic skill and craftsmanship of ancient artisans and the aesthetic sensibility of the era.
Bled as a thermal spa
In the second half of the 19th century, Swiss healer Arnold Rikli developed a method of treatment in Bled based on sun, water, fresh air, and healthy nutrition. His approach transformed Bled into a renowned European spa and fashionable resort, which spurred the construction of hotels and villas. Today, Bled remains one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist destinations, offering a rich cultural, sports, and conference program.
Currently in the hall above the museum
Krapina Neanderthal
The exhibition offers a unique insight into the life of Neanderthals and highlights the important historical and cultural connections between Slovenia and Croatia.
