Narodni muzej Slovenije

About the museum

The Narodni muzej Slovenije is the oldest Slovenian museum institution. The Carniolan provincial estates decided to found a provincial museum in 1821; its first premises were in the Pogačnik house in Ljubljana. In 1826 Emperor Francis I confirmed the founding, and the first permanent exhibition was held in 1831 in the lyceum building at today's Vodnikov trg.

In 1881 the Carniolan provincial assembly resolved to build a new museum building. The building, called Deželni muzej za Kranjsko – Rudolfinum (Provincial Museum for Carniola – Rudolfinum), opened in 1888 and was the first building in our region devoted exclusively to culture. In 1921 the museum was renamed Narodni muzej; in 1923 the Slovenski etnografski muzej became independent of it.

The museum holds collections from the Stone Age to the present, including a numismatic and a graphic collection. A department for conservation and restoration and a library also operate here. The permanent archaeological exhibition Zgodbe s stičišča svetov (Stories from the Crossroads of Worlds) in the palace on Muzejska ulica includes objects of world significance, for example the flute from the Divje babe cave, finds from the Ljubljana Marsh, the situla from Vače and the only ancient Egyptian mummy in Slovenia. The historical and art collections are displayed at the museum's second site, the Metelkova building.

Highlights

• The flute from the Divje babe cave, the oldest known flute in the world
• The situla from Vače and finds from the Ljubljana Marsh
• The only ancient Egyptian mummy in Slovenia
• Gilded statue of an Emona citizen and a building inscription from Emona
• Lapidarium and Egyptian collection on the ground floor of the Rudolfinum palace
• Historical and art collections with more than 2,500 objects in the Metelkova building

Permanent exhibitions

• Zgodbe s stičišča svetov – The permanent archaeological exhibition shows finds from the territory of present-day Slovenia from the Older Stone Age to the end of the Middle Ages, including the flute from Divje babe, the situla from Vače and Roman finds.
• Zgodovinske in umetnostne zbirke – The study exhibition in the Metelkova building presents more than 2,500 objects: furniture, clocks, glass, ceramics, old weapons, church textiles, toys and paintings.

Founded

1821

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On the first Sunday of every month, a visit to the museum is free (except for major temporary exhibitions).

The prices apply to visits to Muzejska or Metelkova. Free admission is also granted to unemployed persons, journalists, tourist guides and members of professional associations.

Accessibility

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

Access for visitors with reduced mobility is from Prešernova cesta 20: call reception (+386 51 701 040) and a museum information officer will escort you into the museum. A lift leads to the exhibition rooms; the accessible toilet is on the ground floor next to the lift. One parking space for persons with disabilities is available at Prešernova cesta 20 by prior arrangement. For blind and partially sighted visitors, a tactile guided tour of the permanent exhibition Zgodbe s stičišča svetov is possible by prior arrangement. The Metelkova building is fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

The museum offers family programmes (family adventures, creative workshops), programmes for school groups and kindergartens, and birthday celebrations.

Getting there & parking

The main entrance is at Muzejska ulica 1; the second entrance from Prešernova cesta 20 is intended for staff and visitors with reduced mobility.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum shop offers publications, useful objects and souvenirs, as well as headsets for the audio guide.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Hire of the atrium, the lapidarium, the conference hall and the attic with terrace in the Metelkova building.

Plan your visit