Gifts to the State: An Italian Plate, a Hungarian Owl, and a Bag of 'Babnopolje Frost'

An exhibition featuring gifts presented to Slovenian heads of state over 35 years has opened at the Museum of Contemporary History (MNSZS). The collection, comprising more than two thousand items, offers a unique perspective on Slovenian statehood, diplomacy, and the presidential office.

The exhibition showcases a small fraction of the gifts received by former presidents Milan Kučan, Janez Drnovšek, Danilo Türk, and Borut Pahor, as well as the current President Nataša Pirc Musar. The Museum of Contemporary History began archiving these state gifts in 2002, starting with items from President Kučan. The collection has since grown significantly, with subsequent additions from Drnovšek, Türk, and Pahor.

This exhibition marks the first time such a comprehensive display has been organized since 2002, when gifts from the first Slovenian president were featured in an exhibition aptly named 'From Birch Broom to Silver Plate.' The current display aims to tell the story of the nation through these diplomatic tokens.

Visitors can view items ranging from a simple birch broom to a silver plate, alongside other unique presents such as an Italian ceramic plate and a Hungarian owl. The exhibition provides a tangible link to the country's past and the evolution of its international relations. It will be accessible to the public until December 6.