Cmurek Castle - Museum of Madness

Cmurek Castle ranks among the oldest castles in Slovenia. It was first mentioned as early as the mid-12th century, its foundations laid by Burkhard and Juta of Cmurek. In the 14th century, the Counts of Celje took possession of the castle for a short period, after which it remained in the hands of the Styrian noble family of Stubenberg from 1401 to 1931. Under their ownership, the castle acquired a lavish Renaissance appearance and numerous valuable artistic and architectural elements, many of which have been preserved to this day.

After the Second World War, the castle entered a difficult new chapter — from 1949 to 2004 it housed the Institute for the Mentally and Nervously Ill.

Today, the castle’s long and eventful history, along with that of the wider area, comes to life for visitors through the unique Museum of Madness. The museum features no fewer than 14 exhibitions, inviting visitors to reflect on human rights, mental health care, the importance of preserving the Mura River, and the protection of cultural heritage. At the same time, it unveils the hidden stories and spaces of the former “madhouse,” as the institute at Trate was once known.