About Us
The Mountaineering Museum was founded with the idea of promoting mountaineering as a way of life, centered around Mount Ivančica as a link between people and nature.
In addition to mountaineering, the Museum’s mission is to preserve and present cultural and historical heritage, as well as contemporary artistic movements.
Alongside the Museum’s permanent exhibition which will be realized once the Museum is completed and will primarily focus on mountaineering and Mount Ivančica there is a continuous effort to organize exhibitions highlighting cultural and historical heritage, artistic creativity, and contemporary artistic expression.
Rich History of the Museum Building
The Mountaineering Museum is located in a building with a remarkable past – the first elementary school in Ivanec, built back in 1839 through the dedication of local parishioners. For generations, it was remembered simply as the “old school.”
Here, boys and girls from Ivanec and the surrounding villages first learned to read and write, and many prominent figures of Croatian culture and science began their education within its walls – including painter Mirko Rački and renowned scientist Mirko Malez.
Over time, the building served many roles: a boys’ school, a vocational school, workshops, and later even temporary exhibition space. Though it was damaged during wartime and left to decay in the late 20th century, its story did not end there.
Thanks to the City of Ivanec, the building was carefully restored, preserving its historic charm while giving it new life. In 2014, the Mountaineering Museum was founded here, and in 2017 it officially opened its doors to the public. Today, the “old school” is not only a monument of local heritage but also a vibrant cultural space dedicated to mountaineering, Ivančica Mountain, and the enduring bond between people and nature.
Poetry Gathering “Kolovrat riječi”
Every year, the town of Ivanec hosts the poetry gathering “Kolovrat riječi”, bringing together poets and poetry lovers from near and far.
The program traditionally begins at the Mountaineering Museum, where the first verses are read in a warm and inspiring atmosphere. Poetry sessions then continue at various cultural landmarks across Ivanec – from the Visitor Center “Kukuljević” to the Homeland War Memorial Center and the monument to Mirko Malez.
The final stop is the charming Old Cellar of the restaurant “Gost&Ona”, where poetry and friendship intertwine over an evening of conversation and refreshments.
Alongside poetry, visitors can also enjoy the museum’s exhibitions and discover unique souvenirs, making “Kolovrat riječi” not only a celebration of the written word but also of culture, history, and community spirit in Ivanec.
Find out more about our events here.
Museum Gift Shop
The Museum Gift Shop is a fresh and inviting addition to the Mountaineering Museum, located on the ground floor of the historic “old school” building, where traditional architecture creates a unique atmosphere.
The shop offers a variety of products branded with the logo Ivanec – The Mountaineering Town. Among the practical and useful items for hikers and visitors are windbreakers, bags, metal flasks, and glass water bottles.
A special highlight are the mountaineering mugs with a carabiner handle – easy to clip onto your backpack when heading up the trails.
Unique souvenirs also include pins featuring the coat of arms of the City of Ivanec and copper medals with the image of a mountaineer, designed by Jelena Varga Mavrić, mag. art.
Be sure to stop by the gift shop and take home a wonderful memory of your visit to the Mountaineering Museum and Ivanec – The Mountaineering Town!
A Journey Through Time – The Story of Ivanec
Long before history was written, the Ivanec area was already home to humankind. In the caves of Vindija and Ravna Gora, as well as on the fields of Punikve, archaeologists uncovered stone tools, animal remains, and traces of our earliest ancestors – some dating back half a million years. This land is often called the “cradle of prehistory” in Croatia and Southeast Europe.
Centuries later, on the slopes of Mount Ivančica, a medieval settlement was born. The Knights Hospitaller of St. John built a chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist in the 13th century, and from it the name of the town – Ivanec – has lived on. As a privileged settlement, Ivanec proudly defended its rights and freedoms, preserving a unique identity through the ages.
In the following centuries, noble families left their mark on the town. The Petheö counts ruled the area for 250 years, and later the Erdödy and Kukuljević-Sakcinski families shaped Ivanec with their castles, estates, and cultural heritage. The grand Ivanec Castle once stood as a symbol of power and elegance, surrounded by parks and gardens, remembered by generations of locals.
Sacred heritage also flourished: the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, built in the 18th century, still guards centuries-old treasures – chalices, monstrances, and baroque candlesticks – while chapels scattered across the hills remind us of the deep spiritual life of the region.
Today, Ivanec is known as “The Mountaineering Town”, a place where nature, history, and culture intertwine. From prehistoric caves to medieval charters, from noble residences to mountain trails, every corner of Ivanec tells a story of resilience, tradition, and the everlasting bond between people and their land.
Find more interesting stories about Ivanec here.
Find out more about the museum’s work and stories here.