The Idrija Municipal Museum, established in 1953, is an enchanting cultural institution located in the heart of Idrija, at the Gewerkenegg Castle. It serves as a treasure trove of Idrija's history and sheds light on the captivating tales of mercury mining and the profound cultural significance of lace-making. This craft originated as a means for miners' wives to supplement their family income and gradually evolved into a significant aspect of the local culture and economy.
The Lace Collection currently boasts over 8,000 items, making it the largest collection in the museum. The focal point is bobbin lace, which has since 2018 been listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The assortment encompasses diverse forms, including textile pieces with sewn-in lace, papirci (pattern templates drawn on paper) used by lacemakers, accessories for bobbin lace making, sales catalogues, curricula from the Idrija Lacemaking School, artworks, as well as documentary and audio/video materials pertaining to lacemaking in Slovenia and Europe.