Summer Museum Night

Mysterious, lively, refreshing, and already a little bit like vacation…
At the Slovenian School Museum, we’re once again opening our doors to a world of stories, experiences, and discoveries. You’re invited to join us on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. Admission is free.

We’ve prepared an exciting program for all generations. Explore, discover, have fun, and experience school in a slightly different way.

Explore

• the permanent exhibition “School rules!”
• and the exhibition “We Collect, We Explore, We Revive: Sports Heritage and the Sports Museum.”

Experience

Experience unforgettable lessons and numerous surprises that will bring back memories and spark your curiosity. Historical lessons are unique theatrical performances in which you’ll take on the role of students and act out a lesson together with a female teacher or a male student.

Historical Lessons

6:00–7:00 p.m. Lesson: Sunday School
From the early 19th century onward, elementary and remedial Sunday schools were organized on Sundays and holidays, as many village children were unable to attend classes during the week due to other work commitments and the distance from school. At Sunday school, they learned to write, read, and do arithmetic, and were taught manners, order, and discipline.

6:30–7:30 p.m. Gym (atrium of the Ursuline convent)
During this class, we will perform physical exercises and games based on the Sokol system: proper posture, lining up in rows—one, two, three, four. Walking and running in a line. Turning left and right. Free exercises on the spot.

7:30–8:30 p.m. Imperial song
Johann Gabriel Seidl’s “Imperial Anthem” became the official national anthem in 1854, six years after Franz Joseph became emperor of the Habsburg Monarchy. Slovenians received several translations of Seidl’s song shortly after its composition. Students always sang it to the melody by Joseph Haydn before the start of classes or at the opening of a new school building.

8:00–9:00 p.m. Class in Ancient Emona (atrium of the Ursuline Convent)
Under the guidance of a teacher—a magister—participants in the class will learn about teaching and educational methods

9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Handwritting
Calligraphy was one of the most important school subjects, with the goal of teaching students to develop clear and elegant handwriting. During this museum calligraphy class, you, too, can learn the basics of this art.

10:30 PM – 11:30 PM: “Vodnik’s School” Class
With the establishment of the Illyrian Provinces in 1809, the French sought to spread knowledge of the French language, yet they permitted the local (Slovenian) language to remain the language of instruction in elementary and lower secondary schools. Valentin Vodnik wrote the first entirely Slovenian textbooks for instruction in the Slovenian language. Participants in the “Vodnik’s School” lesson will also explore their content.

You’re invited to spend your Saturday evening in our company—in the company of the SLOVENIAN MUSEUM OF THE YEAR.