Kurent House

Meet the Kurent, the most popular and widespread traditional ethnographic carnival figure, characteristic of the regions of the Ptuj and Drava plains, Haloze, and Slovenske gorice. Using the latest interactive technologies, learn about the cultural heritage of the area and about the Kurent/Korant ritual performances, which have been preserved from ancient times to the present day. At the House of the Kurent, throughout the year you can see, hear and feel the special energy of the Kurents/Korants and the message they carry.

OPENING HOURS DURING CARNIVAL SEASON AND THE KURENTOVANJE FESTIVAL

From 2 February to 22 February, the House of the Kurent will be open according to its regular opening hours: every day (except Tuesdays) from 12:00 to 18:00.

During the Kurentovanje festival, from 22 February to 4 March, it will be open every day (including both Tuesdays, 25 February and 4 March) from 12:00 to 18:00.

Ticket purchase
Tickets can be purchased at the House of the Kurent or through the online ticketing system, where available visiting slots are shown.

Visits take place every full hour and by prior arrangement.
Each visit allows entry for up to 15 people at a time.

For online ticket purchase, click HERE.

Every country – including Slovenia – takes pride in its prominent cultural landmarks and individuals who have carried its name beyond national borders. Among them is the traditional figure of the Kurent/Korant, who is not only recognised locally in the Ptuj area, but also throughout Slovenia and around the world.

The opening of the House of the Kurent presents and places the Kurent/Korant in an important position of historical significance. It is the result of the efforts of dedicated associations that preserve the tradition of the Kurent/Korant and the ritual practices connected with it. The initiator and creator of the House of the Kurent is the Federation of Kurent Associations, which brings together 25 societies with more than 1,100 members.

Visitors can learn about the deeper meaning of this ritual tradition, which has been preserved from ancient times to the present day in the Drava and Ptuj plains, Haloze and Slovenske gorice, through the use of the latest modern technologies. The Kurent/Korant is presented in an interactive, individualised and globally recognisable way, while the cultural heritage is interpreted in an experiential and innovative manner, helping to preserve it effectively for future generations.

In 2012, the Kurent rounds (processions) were first entered into the Slovenian Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture, which lists 21 bearers of this carnival tradition. The Kurent was subsequently declared a living masterpiece of national importance. At the end of 2015, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia proclaimed the Kurent rounds as intangible cultural heritage of national importance. To further emphasise the role of the Kurent for the region, the societies in Ptuj joined together to form the Federation of Kurent Associations, which was responsible for the nomination for inscription on the UNESCO list.

In 2017, the international organisation UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) inscribed the Kurent/Korant rounds on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is of exceptional importance not only for preserving the ethnographic tradition of the region, but also for strengthening the international recognition of the city of Ptuj and Slovenia.

The House of the Kurent operates under the patronage of the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO.