Buzzing Slovenia. Of Bees and People

The exhibition, held as part of the 2023 Slovenian Cultural Days, the 19th European Culture Days at the Museum Europäischer Kulturen (MEK), showcases both the traditions of Slovenian beekeeping and innovations in the fields of urban beekeeping and sustainable design.

The verdant country of Slovenia is one of the most heavily forested countries in Europe, with a rich diversity of flora from the Adrian Sea to the Alps – making it a true paradise for bees! In 2018, Slovenia helped to establish 20 May as World Bee Day. Did you know that Slovenia has the highest density of beekeepers in the world? Slovenian beekeeping and honey products are part of the national culture, and are synonymous with living traditions, unique artisanry, sustainable resource use and are an example of human beings living in harmony with nature. But long droughts and the use of insecticides in agriculture are threatening the health of the ecosystem, and with it, the well-being of bees.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a jam-packed, four-week events programme. The Slovenian Cultural Days are taking place in collaboration with the Embassy of Slovenia in Berlin, the Slovenian Cultural Information Centre Berlin (SKICA Berlin), the Slovenian Tourist Board and the Slovenski etnografski muzej and the Čebelarski muzej Radovljica.