The cultural history collection is presented in the building known as the Old Counts’ Mansion. Visitors can view the objects of the cultural history collection in the twelve rooms of the mansion’s first floor.
The presented intimate atmosphere of the collection consists of furniture, paintings, graphics, statues, crockery, weapons, and other »charming trinkets« – the stylistic periods range from the 13th to the 20th centuries. The most magnificent example of this entire collection is the imposing Celje Ceiling from the beginnings of the 17th century, which is immediately noticeable upon entering the main chamber of the Old Counts' Mansion.
The Celje Ceiling is a singular example of secular painting at the turn of the 16th/17th century in Slovenia. The ceiling, 14.45 m x 9.7 m, is painted in tempera on canvas. It is divided into 11 sections. The biggest, central section shows pillared architecture with four towers and is drawn in perspective. The long sides of the ceiling show the four seasons and the short ones the battle between the Latins and the Trojans; the corners, however, are occupied by four giants (The Four Disgracers of Heaven). The author of the Celje Ceiling is unknown but it is certain that he used graphics and models for most parts of the composition.
Selected medieval objects are exhibited in a room with frescoes showing genre motifs. A glass-case was temporarily placed here, displaying the skulls of the Counts of Celje, the eminent medieval dynastic family, which had its seat in Celje from 1333 to 1456. The permanent exhibition about the Counts of Celje is now in the Princely Palace.
The Renaissance room contains, among other things, furniture, weapons, and wall painting. In the next room, which combines objects from the period between the Renaissance and the Baroque, there is an outstanding item, the inlaid wardrobe of precious wood, lined with ivory and tortoise shell. The Baroque exhibits are displayed under the vault of the former kitchen of the mansion. The period of late Baroque/Rococo is presented in a room consisting of characteristic examples of furniture.
Classicist and Empire art styles are illustrated by precious pieces of furniture, clocks, porcelain, miniatures, and similar items. The Biedermeier period is reflected by burgher furniture and numerous portraits.
The last room is dedicated to objects belonging to Historicism.
The room right before the »garden room« – with restored secco wall paintings – is dedicated to the works of the Celje Baroque sculptor Ferdinand Gallo.