In the framework of the European Capital of Culture Maribor 2012 and in cooperation with the Parish of Maribor, we have opened a permanent museum exhibition called The Guardroom in the Tower. The exhibition is housed in the cathedral bell tower, which was erected as a watchtower in the 14th century in the geometric centre of the town, right next to the parish church. The four-storey tower was erected to observe the surrounding area and to guide the city's defences. Later, bells were installed in the tower. Due to frequent fires, the bell tower was converted to a small dwelling for the town fire guard. Antonija Weiss, the last keeper/guard of the tower worked until 1933, when her position was dissolved.

With this exhibition, the Maribor Regional Museum is approaching contemporary museum concepts, which are transitioning from a conservation paradigm to a search of unique stories. Their placement in the endless stream of history offers the wandering individual the opportunity to identify himself through them. The museum objects selected for the exhibition also enable this process of identification.