The National Museum of Slovenia

Ljubljana

Copyright: Dunja Wedam

DESTINATIONS slovenia ljubljana Do & See The National Museum of Slovenia

The National Museum of Slovenia

The principal Slovene museum keeps the most important finds of the historical heritage of Slovenia. It exhibits the world’s oldest musical instrument (the 60,000 year-old Divje babe Flute), remains of the pile dwelling culture from the Ljubljana Marshes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a lapidarium with Roman tombstones and other important items from throughout history.

Do & See

Ljubljana is a picturesque city whose image is the product of various historical periods, though it has been marked most notably by the creations of the architect Jože Plečnik. It is distinguished by Ljubljana Castle located on the hill above the city, the Ljubljanica with its wondrous bridges and romantic banks, as well as testimonials and numerous stories from its rich and abundant past accompanying you with every step.

Ljubljana Castle

Ljubljana Castle

The magnificent medieval fortress located on top of the hill rising above the city offers an insight into the days of yore via reconstructed castle spaces including a museum collection of Slovenian history, different art exhibitions, a coffee shop and two excellent restaurants. The lookout tower offers a wonderful vista of the whole of …

Plečnik’s Ljubljana

Plečnik’s Ljubljana

The creations of the famous architect Jože Plečnik (1872–1957) put a mark on three cities of Central Europe: Vienna, Prague, but most of all his beloved home town of Ljubljana. It was Plečnik’s objective to breathe new life into Ljubljana by redesigning it into a comprehensive masterpiece. The most prominent landmarks include the Triple …

Dragon Bridge

The magnificent statues of dragons, which are the symbol of Ljubljana, are one of the main attractions of the city. The Dragon Bridge was constructed between 1900 and 1901 and was dedicated to the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I. It is considered a masterpiece of Secession architecture. Also, when completed, it was one of …

Ljubljana Central Market

Ljubljana Central Market

Ljubljana Central Market is a colourful and lively place, always buzzing with activity. At the market, visitors are able to purchase local products and foods, famous throughout Slovenia. Simultaneously, the market is also one of the principal architectural landmarks. The mighty colonnades designed by Jože Plečnik rise above the hustle and bustle of the …

Ljubljana Cathedral

Ljubljana Cathedral

St. Nicholas’ Church, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ljubljana, was completed in its current form in 1701 on the foundations of an older church. The church built by the Jesuit architect Andrea Pozzo is adorned with frescoes by Giulio Quaglio and is considered one of the jewels of Baroque art. Also …

The Ljubljanica and the Bridges

The Ljubljanica and the Bridges

The old centre of Ljubljana is famous for the Ljubljanica, its romantic banks and wondrous bridges. Along the Ljubljanica, the banks of which were designed by Jože Plečnik, numerous small cafés are scattered where people mingle in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying the scenery. The best way to see the Ljubljanica is to book …

Prešeren Square

Prešeren Square

Prešeren Square is the centre of the old city centre of Ljubljana. Its image is distinctly marked by the recognisable red façade of the Franciscan church, the memorial dedicated to France Prešeren, the famous musician lending his name to the Square, and the well-known Triple Bridge by Jože Plečnik. Immediately nearby are the Tourist …

The National and University Library

The National and University Library

The most important work of Jože Plečnik in Slovenia is the building of the National and University Library, which is still used for its original purpose. This monumental building was constructed in 1941 and is considered as a unique combination of the different cultures which the architect had always been fond of. The building …

The City Museum of Ljubljana

The City Museum of Ljubljana

The City Museum of Ljubljana boasts an extensive and rich permanent collection illustrating the history of Ljubljana since prehistoric times until today. The museum’s basement exhibits the archaeological remains of the Roman road once leading through the present-day museum. The museum also manages two archaeological parks, exhibiting Emona …

The National Museum of Slovenia

The National Museum of Slovenia

The principal Slovene museum keeps the most important finds of the historical heritage of Slovenia. It exhibits the world’s oldest musical instrument (the 60,000 year-old Divje babe Flute), remains of the pile dwelling culture from the Ljubljana Marshes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a lapidarium with Roman tombstones and other important items from throughout …

The National Gallery of Slovenia

The National Gallery of Slovenia

The principal museum of the history of Slovenia exhibits permanent collections by Slovene artists from the middle ages up to the 20th century, as well as a collection of works by European painters. The National Gallery of Slovenia also keeps the original Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers (Robba Fountain), a replica of which …

The Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art exhibits a permanent collection of modern Slovene artists from the 20th century, as well as other temporary exhibitions. A portion of its collection, which is considered avant-garde art, has been displayed at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MSUM) at Metelkova since …

Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova (MSUM)

Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova (MSUM)

The Museum of Contemporary Art exhibits avant-garde art, part of the Arteast 2000+ international collection, as well as artwork by Slovene artists belonging to the national collection. The Arteast 2000+ collection tells the tale of the overlooked and often censored creativity of artists from the then Eastern Bloc. Occasionally the museum displays new exhibits, …

Ljubljana Zoo

Ljubljana Zoo is the home of native and foreign animals, residing in the unspoiled natural habitat of the landscape park Tivoli, Rožnik and Šišenski hrib. The zoo exhibits more than 100 animal species. The zoo is known for organising different adventures involving animals, enabling visitors to come into direct contact with …

Tivoli Park

Tivoli Park is the green heart of Ljubljana. It lies on the edge of the city and gradually rises towards Rožnik, which is criss-crossed by numerous recreational paths. However, Tivoli Park offers more than just walks. It is in Tivoli Park that two of Ljubljana’s main museums are located inside former mansions, including a …

Emona – Roman remains

Emona – Roman remains

The Roman city of Emona (1st to 5th century) comprised a large portion of the present-day centre of Ljubljana. Today, enthusiasts may visit the well-preserved section of the southern city wall and two archaeological parks. Items from the Roman era are also exhibited at the City Museum of Ljubljana and the National Museum of …

The Slovene Ethnographic Museum

The Slovene Ethnographic Museum

The Slovene Ethnographic Museum deals with preserving cultural and natural history collections. It exhibits items both from Slovene as well as international ethnological heritages. The museum’s mission is to showcase the lives of our ancestors from different periods in …

The International Centre of Graphic Arts

The International Centre of Graphic Arts

One of the principal museums and exhibitions of art in Ljubljana is dedicated to graphic arts. It displays an extensive collective of graphics and modern works of art. The Museum also hosts the International Biennial of Graphic Arts, one of the most acclaimed graphic events worldwide, first organised in …

The Town Square

The Town Square

The Town Square, once the centre of medieval Ljubljana, is today most famous for the Town Hall and the Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers erected between 1743 and 1751 by the Baroque artist Francesco Robba. The Town Hall was built in the late 15th century and has generally retained its Baroque image. Guided …

The Ljubljana Botanical Garden

The Ljubljana Botanical Garden

One of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe is not particularly large but is still home to a myriad of various plant species from around the world. Its tropical glasshouse hosts more than 380 floral species from tropical …