Narodna galerija Slovenije

About the museum

The Narodna galerija was founded in 1918 as a society, although the idea of a Slovenian art institution had been alive since the late 19th century. It received premises in 1925, when it took over the Narodni dom building beside Tivoli. An important milestone was the Strahl bequest of 1929, with an extensive collection of domestic and European painters; the gift of Fran Windischer is also valuable and still forms the basis of the collection. As early as 1927, casts of sculptures from the Louvre arrived at the gallery, and in 1933 the expanded permanent collection of Slovenian art opened.

In 1946 the state took over the gallery and it became a public institution. When the Moderna galerija began operating in 1951, it took over part of the 20th-century artworks. Today the Narodna galerija holds the largest collection of artworks on Slovenian territory, from the High Middle Ages to the 20th century.

The present permanent collection was created during the renovation of the Narodni dom palace and the connection of the building complex. It comprises more than six hundred exhibits and presents art in Slovenia from the Middle Ages to the mid-20th century. A permanent exhibition of works by Zoran Mušič is set up separately.

Highlights

• Permanent collection of art in Slovenia, from the High Middle Ages to the mid-20th century
• More than six hundred exhibited artworks
• Permanent exhibition of works by Zoran Mušič
• Famous works by Ivan Grohar, such as Sejalec (The Sower), Macesen (Larch) and Škofja Loka v snegu (Škofja Loka in the Snow)
• Gallery café by Robbov vodnjak (Robba Fountain) in the glass atrium

Permanent exhibitions

• Umetnost na Slovenskem – The renovated permanent collection presents fine art in Slovenia from the Middle Ages to the mid-20th century, from sculptures and paintings to Baroque and realist painting.
• Zoran Mušič (1909–2005) – The permanent exhibition presents works from the collections of Ljuban, Milada and Vanda Mušič, which were donated to or loaned to the Narodna galerija.

Founded

1918

Director

Barbara Jaki

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On the first Sunday of every month, a visit to the permanent collection is free.

Free admission is also granted to honorary members and friends of the Narodna galerija, members of the Galov klub, holders of the museum cards SMD, ICOM and ICOMOS, journalists and unemployed persons.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

The gallery has ramps and lifts; wheelchair access is at the main entrance at Prešernova cesta 24 (a bell is available). For the permanent exhibition of Zoran Mušič on the ground floor and in the basement exhibition space Galerija Narodni dom, assistance from staff is required. Induction loops for audio guides, audio descriptions via QR codes, a tactile version of the painting by Luiza Pesjak and video content in Slovenian Sign Language are available. Adapted guided tours with tactile aids and sign-language interpretation are possible with advance notice.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

The gallery offers family guided tours (advance registration at least three working days before), Saturday visits with a family workshop, gallery sessions for children from the age of 3, and birthday celebrations.

Getting there & parking

The gallery stands opposite the Opera and the Orthodox Church of St Cyril and Methodius, beside Tivoli Park. The main entrance is at Prešernova cesta 24.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check

The gallery café in the glass entrance hall is open during the same hours as the gallery. A cloakroom is compulsory for all luggage larger than A4 format. The Eduroam wi-fi network is for users from educational, research and cultural institutions.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 500 guests.

The glass entrance hall can be hired for events; it is suitable for up to about 500 people.

Plan your visit