Mission

We safeguard, research and share the heritage of Oton Župančič and of the place where he was born.

Guardians of the poet’s legacy

Since 1951, the Oton Župančič Memorial House has safeguarded the legacy of the poet who was born in Vinica. Our mission is to preserve and research his life and work and to bring them closer, in a contemporary way, to visitors of all generations.

A guide explaining the exhibition to children in the Memorial House

What guides us

  • Heritage: we preserve and revitalise an important cultural monument and the memory of the poet and the place.
  • Interpretation: we present Župančič’s work through modern technologies, exhibitions and experiences.
  • Education: through educational programmes, we bring literature closer to children and young people.
  • Accessibility: we are improving the physical and digital accessibility of the house and its content.
  • Community: we work with local providers and contribute to the development of cultural tourism in Bela Krajina.

Give me your hand, poem, and lead me.

Oton Župančič

Who looks after the house

The Oton Župančič Memorial House is managed by the public institution RIC Bela krajina. The Municipality of Črnomelj is the owner of the house and the lead partner of the “Župančičev svet” (Župančič’s World) renovation project.

Meet the partners

Koder hodim, vedno in povsod me spremlja mogočni šum Kolpe, ki se preliva pod viniškim gradom čez jez, in rahlo žuborenje Dobreća, studenca, skritega blizu Dragatuša v najtišji dragi sveta.

Povej mi kdo, kam oblaki plujo, kam ptice lete, kam vode teko, kam človek gre.

Iz slovstva za deco je najboljše komaj dovolj dobro.

Vesel sem, da mi je tekla zibka v Beli krajini, polni svetlobe in blagoglasja.

Mlad, mlad – to se pravi v srcu vsega življenja.

Kuj me, življenje, kuj!

Meh za smeh in vrečo sreče Ciciban za nami vleče, ne za hišo zidano, le za voljo židano.

Predaj se vetrom – naj gre, kamor hoče! Naj srce se navriska in izjoče! Vendar mornar, ko je najvišji dan, izmeri daljo in nebeško stran.

Odpri vrata, krajina mi bela, svetla in vesela, bodi v nji vsa zlata.

Kdor ljubi vino, z njim sem brž ubran, kdor ljubi ženo, mi je blagrovan, kdor ljubi knjigo, bodi spoštovan, vi ljubite vse troje – ne bova si nadvoje.

Veš, poet, svoj dolg?

Podaj mi roko, pesem, ti me vodi.

Frequently asked questions

We have gathered answers to the questions visitors ask most often. If you can’t find an answer, write to us or give us a call.

No, you buy your ticket on arrival, on site. Advance booking is only required for groups and guided tours – call us at 07 306 43 43 or write to zupancic.vinica@ric-belakrajina.si.

Yes. For kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, we offer educational programmes, workshops and guided tours tailored to the children’s age. To arrange a date and content, call us at 07 306 43 43 or write to zupancic.vinica@ric-belakrajina.si.

Opening hours will be announced before the house reopens. More on the Opening Hours page. You can also call us about a visit on a particular date.

You can book a group by phone at 07 306 43 43, by email at zupancic.vinica@ric-belakrajina.si or using the form on the Contact page. Let us know your preferred date, the size of the group and the age of the participants.

Dogs are not allowed inside the Oton Župančič Memorial House. During your visit they can wait outside, where there is a shady spot for them, and we will also provide fresh water.

The Memorial House is located in the centre of Vinica, at Vinica 9. You will find directions and a link to the map on the Getting Here page.