Museum of Old Village, Kumrovec
Krapinsko-zagorska županija
The Museum of Old Village (Staro Selo) in Kumrovec is a unique open-air ethnological museum located in northern Croatia's Krapina-Zagorje County. It preserves and showcases over 40 traditional village houses and farmstead buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, meticulously restored since 1977. The museum offers permanent exhibitions that illustrate the daily life, crafts, and customs of Zagorje peasants, including displays on weddings, newlyweds' lives, hemp processing, blacksmithing, cartwright craft, pottery, and bread making. Situated in Kumrovec, the birthplace of Josip Broz Tito, the museum is an important cultural site reflecting Croatian rural heritage. It attracts visitors interested in folk traditions, architecture, and the historical lifestyle of the region. The village itself is small but historically significant, with additional landmarks such as Tito's birth house and a statue commemorating him. The Museum of Old Village stands out as Croatia's most attractive ethnological open-air museum, offering an immersive experience into the past rural life of the Zagorje region.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Museum of Old Village is during the warmer months when the outdoor exhibits are most accessible. Visitors are advised to check the official website or contact the museum ahead for opening hours and any special events. Tickets can sometimes be purchased in advance, which is recommended during peak tourist seasons. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the outdoor nature of the museum. Combining the visit with a tour of Kumrovec’s other historical sites, such as Tito's birth house, enhances the cultural experience.
Interesting facts
- •The Museum of Old Village in Kumrovec preserves over 40 traditional village houses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- •Kumrovec is the birthplace of Josip Broz Tito, president of former Yugoslavia, and hosts his birth house museum and a statue created by sculptor Antun Augustinčić.
- •The museum's exhibitions include unique ethnological themes such as the Zagorje-style wedding and traditional crafts like blacksmithing and pottery.
- •Kumrovec was temporarily occupied by Nazi Germany in 1941 during World War II before being returned to Croatia.
- •The municipality celebrates the Croatian anthem's centennial with a monument raised in 1935 by the Brethren of the Croatian Dragon.
History
Kumrovec, the village hosting the Museum of Old Village, has a rich history as the birthplace of Josip Broz Tito, leader of former Yugoslavia.
The museum itself was developed starting in 1977 through the restoration of traditional village houses from the turn of the 19th to 20th century, preserving the rural architecture and lifestyle of the Zagorje region.
Historically, Kumrovec was part of Varaždin County in the Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
During the early phase of World War II, the area was temporarily occupied by Nazi Germany before being returned to the Independent State of Croatia in 1941.
The municipality was officially established in 1997 after splitting from Tuhelj.
The village also celebrates its cultural heritage with monuments and annual events, making it a site of both historical and ethnological importance.
Place Guide
Traditional Village HousesLate 19th to early 20th century
Over 40 restored houses and farm buildings from the late 19th and early 20th century, showcasing authentic rural architecture and living conditions of Zagorje peasants.
Permanent Ethnological Exhibitions
Exhibits include the Zagorje-style Wedding, Life of Newly-weds, From Hemp to Linen, Blacksmith's Crafts, Cartwright's Craft, Pottery, and From Grain to Bread, illustrating traditional rural life and crafts.
Marshal Tito's Birth House1860
The birthplace of Josip Broz Tito, built in 1860 as the first brick house in the village, now a memorial museum dedicated to his life and legacy.
Statue of Marshal Tito1948
A bronze statue of Marshal Tito created by Antun Augustinčić in 1948, located next to his birth house, commemorating his leadership and influence.
Contact
Phone: 049 225 830
