TREASURY OF MEĐIMURJE
Museum of Intangible Heritage
From the beginning of the world until today, in the area between the rivers Mura and Drava, Međimurje pulsates vividly. It consists of fertile and miniature fields, forests, meadows, pastures, wine-growing hills and about a hundred settlements inhabited by warm, cordial and diligent people. From ancient times, Međimurje valleys and hills are full of Međimurje songs; written, composed, created, painted, played and danced. Over time, whether work days or holidays, exceptional heritage values were created and imprinted in the cultural code of the spirit, mind and heart of Međimurje. Collected from all over the region between the two waters, they found their unique home in the Museum of Intangible Heritage "Treasury of Međimurje" under the roof of the revitalized fortification of the Old Town in Čakovec.
My people of Međimurje, you have treasures and riches
The rich cultural heritage of Međimurje under the label of intangible cultural heritage used to be called spiritual heritage, folk traditions, beliefs, folk wisdom and traditional crafts. Important and interesting data on their origin, use, special features that accompanied it, the method of production and their creator were added to the collected objects, the material expression of culture. Stories of intangible culture are printed by people, bearers of skills. Despite the strong influence of modern times and the frequency of change, skill holders keep their knowledge and skills alive and patiently pass them on to others. The intangible heritage of Međimurje is an essential upgrade of the long-term work of all curators in the Ethnographic Department of the Museum of Međimurje Čakovec from the 1950s to the present day. The material is supplemented by popular documentaries in high-quality production that connect the collected knowledge with people, bearers of skills in the field. The totality of exceptional cultural value represents intangible heritage, a wealth that is at the same time ordinary and unusual to a wider national and international audience.
Cultural assets of Međimurje
on the Representative Lists of UNESCO and the Republic of Croatia
Međimurska popevka (folk song of Međimurje), the art of making traditional children's toys and gingerbread crafts from the area of northwestern Croatia are inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As many as fifteen cultural assets located in the area of Međimurje are entered in the Register of Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Croatia.
The segment of traditional crafts includes the art of gold mining - goldsmithing in Međimurje, traditional art of making lace in the area of St. Mary, gingerbread crafts from northwestern Croatia and Slavonia, traditional pottery in northwestern Croatia and the art of making traditional children's toys from the area.
Social practices, rituals and festivities are the art of making a traditional carnival mask Pikač in Selnica, the art of making traditional Christmas jewelry - kinch in northwestern Croatia, the art of making jewelry - Christmas chandelier in northwestern Croatia and the art of making traditional Christmas nativity scenes from Croatia.
Everyday cultural assets include the Štrigova and Kotoriba group of speeches, as well as the toponymy of Sveta Marija. They have a common denominator of oral tradition and expression, including language as a transmitter of intangible cultural heritage. Speakers of the Štrigova and Kotoriba speech groups use speech on a daily basis in their families, in communication with acquaintances, and even colleagues at work. Both groups of speeches and toponymy of the place of Sveta Marija give us a useful insight into the past of these areas, and study an understanding of cultural, geographical, economic and political intertwining in past times.
Performing arts present the art of making and playing cymbals in Podravina, Međimurje and Hrvatsko Zagorje, the art of playing tambourines farkašica in northern and northwestern Croatia and Međimurje song. They are all characterized by a performance context that greatly influences the way they perform as well as the transfer of knowledge to others. Dancing and singing are a natural occurrence wherever people gather. During parties, weddings, doing business together and celebrating church or folk holidays, they provide a basis. The Međimurje song is the most expressive expression of Međimurje men and women, a medium in which almost every segment of life from Proto-Slavic communities to the present day remains.
Visit, meet and explore
TREASURY OF MEĐIMURJE
The invaluable cultural heritage of Međimurje is exhibited on 2,426 m2 of extra attractive, multimedia and interactive exhibition of the museum. On several museum levels you will be greeted by the turbulent history of Međimurje, the impressive architectural, aristocratic and cultural heritage of the Zrinski family, dungeons, goldsmithing, Međimurje song, incredible stories and legends about tunnels, the dragon Pozoj and secrets of centuries-old fortifications of the Old Town.
Museum of Intangible Heritage
TREASURY OF MEĐIMURJE
Where the past takes on a new dimension
