A Short History of Great Slovenia

In addition to its natural beauty, Slovenia boasts a fascinating history. Preserving the memory of pivotal and essential events for the country is vital to the confidence of every nation. The exhibition Slovenia in Miniature takes you on a journey from prehistory to the latest turning points in Slovenian history. You can visit it at the Šenčur Museum near Kranj.

The museum will also offer various creative workshops aimed at inspiring children to take up modeling.
The new museum will serve as an attractive addition for tourists and an excellent supplement to school programs.

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The models showcase the evolution of humans according to Darwin's theory, the mammoth in Nevje near Kamnik, the pile-dwelling settlement Stara Gmajna, the birthplace of France Prešeren in Vrba, life in Vrhnika during Ivan Cankar’s time, the Ljubelj concentration camp, the Franja Partisan Hospital, the proclamation of Slovenia's independence, Roman Emona, the installation of the Aljaž Tower on Mount Triglav, the Solkan Bridge, the Soča Front, and the Battle of Kobarid. Key historical events on Slovenian territory during World War I and II are also depicted.

You can learn abouth the path to independent Slovenian State, Slovenia's entry into the European Union, technological progress in cities, and much more.

The model of France Prešeren depicts the poet's birthplace, where he lived until the age of eight, another showing his adult life when he was unhappily in love with Julija Primic, and a third depicting the poet's funeral in Kranj.
Ivan Cankar is Slovenia’s greatest writer and dramatist. His literary works often describe his birthplace, Vrhnika.

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When Passion for Modeling Meets History

The exhibition's creator, Igor Grabnar, has been crafting models since childhood and more seriously since 2012. In 2026, he created his first historical model, which, in three parts, depicts the life of Slovenia's greatest poet, France Prešeren.

Ten models are displayed on the museum's ground floor, crafted by Grabnar in collaboration with various experts.

Firefighting and agriculture are traditional themes of the exhibition, while the model Evolution depicts human development from Australopithecus to the modern, technology-dependent human. Alongside France Prešeren, the depiction of Ivan Cankar's birthplace is highly admired.

The Romans occupied the territory of present-day Slovenia in the second half of the 2nd century BC, first defeating the tribes in Istria. After seizing the land, they enslaved many people, often recruiting men into their army.
The Illyrian Provinces were established by Napoleon after Austria, defeated in the Battle of Wagram, was forced to cede Carinthia, Carniola, southwestern Croatia, the Military Frontier south of the Sava River, Gorizia, Trieste, and Istria to France. The Illyrian Provinces were formally not part of the French Empire but were entirely subordinate to it. Ljubljana was their capital.

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All models are rich in intricate details, and you'll need some time to appreciate each one. Each model is accompanied by a description of the time, place, and significant historical figures.

Franja Partisan Hospital - a monument of humanity.
The Ljubelj concentration camp was built in 1943 on both sides of the Ljubelj Pass as a subcamp of the Mauthausen concentration camp.

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Let the exquisite details take you through time and teach you something new. Learning history can sometimes be unappealing to children, but a visit to A Short History of Great Slovenia will undoubtedly spark their interest.

Firefighting has a long tradition in Slovenia and is a highly developed humanitarian activity.
Slovenia commemorates June 25, 1991, when it formally declared independence. On this day, the Declaration of Independence of Slovenia and the Fundamental Constitutional Charter on the Sovereignty and Independence of Slovenia were adopted, officially proclaimed the following day.