The exhibition "From a Pind to a T-Shirt" opens at the Castle of Velenje

The Museum of Velenje has opened an exhibition titled "From Pindekel to Onesie" at Velenjski Grad, focusing on pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood in the Šaleška Valley during the 20th century. The exhibition runs from October 16, 2026, and is aimed primarily at children and families. It features historical items such as baby carriages, cribs, clothing, photographs, and family memories, offering visitors insight into how expectant parents once prepared for a child's arrival, the birthing process, and early childcare practices. The exhibition connects two iconic items from childhood: the pindekel, a garment used to wrap newborns during their journey to baptism, often part of a bride’s trousseau as a symbol of fertility; and the onesie, representing early childhood and the gradual integration of a child into adult society. Interactive tasks will allow visitors to explore fetal development, while sections on childbirth will highlight the role of midwives, home births, and the transition to hospitals, along with the significance of baptisms. Early childhood will be illustrated through vintage baby carriages, woven cradles, cribs, and first baby clothes, with various interactive activities available. Exhibition items come from museum collections and private family archives, including photos, memories, and family heirlooms contributed by residents of the Šaleška Valley. The exhibition provides an opportunity for intergenerational dialogue and comparison between past customs and modern life. Curators Špela Regulj and Andželina Jukić from the Museum of Velenje worked with the Velenje Kindergarten, the Mlinček unit, art students from the Art Gymnasium of the Velenje School Centre, and advisors from the Velenje Gymnasium, who conducted a survey on students' views regarding family planning, pregnancy, birth, and early childhood. The exhibition is linked to the eighth international lace-making festival, which takes place today and tomorrow in the Red Hall of Velenje. This year’s theme focuses on lace for children and youth. Over 230 participants and exhibitors from Slovenia and abroad, including Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, and Lithuania, will showcase unique lacework, traditional garments, thematic ceramic products, and book materials. Visitors can attend creative workshops and listen to lectures on the tradition of lace-making in Lithuania and its connection to art. A roundtable discussion on young people's relationship with lace-making, tradition, and creativity, a presentation of the book Quick Guide to Lace-Making by author Jožica Grobelnik, and a competition programme will complement the schedule. Special attention is given to young creators participating in the MladeNiti2026 competition, whose works will be displayed in the Red Hall, with the best pieces judged by a professional jury. Visitors will also have the chance to select their favorite piece.