The exhibition ”Folk Games and Toys” opened in Slovenia

On the occasion of European Heritage Days on Wednesday, October 1, at the Strmol Castle in Rogatec, a guest exhibition of the Museum "Old Village" Kumrovec Folk Games and Toys by Anita Paun-Gadža, museum advisor and head of the Museum, was opened.

The exhibition presents folk games and toys from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The world of children's imagination knows no boundaries, which is why games, as a reflection of that world, are numerous and diverse. Children found objects for play in their surroundings, in nature. The props for the game were stones, sticks, chestnuts, nuts... While playing, the children showed dexterity, resourcefulness and fighting spirit. The seasons also determined the type of children's games and the way they were played. In the winter, with the help of their parents, children made toys from wood, old rags and other materials they had in their homes. At the beginning of the 20th century, children's toys were produced by small craft workshops and sold at fairs.

Many folk games and toys have almost disappeared from children's lives today. Their oblivion is caused by numerous new contents that have transformed the traditional way of life. Despite the changes, various museum-educational contents, and in cooperation with schools and kindergartens, children are encouraged to play together, animating them with workshops.

Along with the opening of the exhibition, a workshop called Color your toy was held under the leadership of museum educator Mateja Harapin.

At the opening ceremony, the guests present were greeted by the senior advisor and manager of the Rogatec Open-Air Museum, Ms. Nives Brezovnik. The author Anita Paun-Gadža spoke about the exhibition, and the exhibition was opened by Anamarija Tepeš from the Department of Social Affairs of the Municipality of Rogatec.

The exhibition can be viewed until December 1, 2025.