Ravne na Koroškem, October 7, 2025

On October 7, 2025, the ceremonial opening of the restored Old Ironworks, one of the most iconic industrial monuments in the Koroška region, took place in Ravne na Koroškem. The Iskriva Institute is immensely proud to have been part of this project, which brings together history, culture, and contemporary creativity.

The restoration, valued at € 1.6 million, has preserved the authenticity and grandeur of this monument, which boasts over four centuries of steelmaking tradition. At the heart of this living history stands the original production hall, complete with authentic machines and tools, testaments to the ingenuity, progress, and labor of countless generations. The ironworks chimney continues to stand as a symbolic reminder of industrialization and the significance of the past for our present and future.

The keynote speaker at the event was the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Asta Vrečko, who expressed her satisfaction with the restored Stara Železarna and emphasized its status as a heritage site of national importance. She highlighted the role and significance of the ironworks in the historical development of Ravne na Koroškem and its residents, noting that the museum honors all that has been achieved while also pointing the way forward. The Minister further stated that the restoration aligns with the principles of the New European Bauhaus, an initiative of the European Commission that combines sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion to create more beautiful and sustainable living spaces and lifestyles.

The audience was also addressed by Mag. Tadej Pungartnik, Director of the Koroška Regional Museum, Dr. Tomaž Rožen, Mayor of the Municipality of Ravne na Koroškem, and Dr. Karla Oder, ethnologist, history professor, curator, and museum advisor.

Jernej Močnik, Director of SIJ Metal, symbolically presented the museum with a steel-and-wood Slovenian Olympic torch, crafted by SIJ Metal four years ago. Additionally, Dr. Asta Vrečko and Dr. Tomaž Rožen signed an agreement for the continued restoration of another building within the cultural monument area—the former workers’ residences, known as Personal with the laundry, valued at 1.2 million euros.

The event was enriched with a special musical program by the Koroška String Quartet, under the mentorship of Professor Đorđe Berak, and Jazz Mulci, whose performances created a festive atmosphere and bridged historical heritage with the creativity of young musicians.

The Iskriva Institute is proud to have been and to remain part of this significant cultural initiative, which preserves heritage, promotes creativity, and opens space for new cultural content within the historical framework of Stara Železarna.

The renovation project of the Old Ironworks museum area is co-financed by the Ministry of Culture from the Recovery and Resilience Fund and the Municipality of Ravne na Koroškem. The implementation of the program and the enhancement of the Old Ironworks’ content are also supported by the NONA, SteelCityZen, and CAST projects, co-financed under the Interreg Danube program.

Photo: Nika Hölcl