Located in Ljubljana near Tivoli Park, the National Gallery of Slovenia is the nation's premier art museum. Founded in 1918 following the dissolution of Austria-Hungary, the gallery initially resided in Kresija Palace before relocating to its present home in 1925. The original structure, constructed in 1896 under Mayor Ivan Hribar and designed by Czech architect František Škabrout, served as a Slovenian cultural center (Narodni dom) before undergoing a complete renovation between 2013 and 2016.
Today, you will explore a striking architectural blending of eras: an extension designed by Slovene architect Edvard Ravnikar in the early 1990s and a large transparent glass gallery built in 2001 by the Sadar + Vuga architecture bureau to seamlessly connect the building's two wings. Inside, you can immerse yourself in a rich permanent collection featuring fine art spanning from the Middle Ages all the way to the early 20th century. A major focal point of your visit will be the central glass gallery, which houses the restored original Baroque Robba fountain, safely relocated indoors in 2008.
It is an essential stop for art lovers seeking Slovenia's cultural heritage.
What to see at National Gallery of Slovenia
- Permanent art collection spanning from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century
- The original restored Baroque Robba fountain housed in the central glass gallery
- Historic 1896 Narodni dom building designed by Czech architect František Škabrout
- Modern transparent glass gallery connection designed by Sadar + Vuga
- 1990s building extension designed by Slovene architect Edvard Ravnikar
Visiting tips
Be sure to stop in the central transparent glass gallery to view the original Baroque Robba fountain up close.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
National Gallery of Slovenia is easy to reach on Ljubljana’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Ljubljana Castle and Ljubljana Cathedral. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Ljubljana travel guide.
See the full Ljubljana travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.