Pilonova galerija
Monographic gallery in Ajdovščina with a permanent collection of the painter, graphic artist and photographer Veno Pilon and a collection of works by Pilon’s friends.
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About the museum
The Pilonova galerija (Pilon Gallery) arose from the artistic legacy which Dominique Pilon, son of the painter and photographer Veno Pilon, gave to the town of Ajdovščina after his father’s death in 1970. The municipal assembly confirmed the decree establishing the gallery on 26 December 1973; the lower premises opened on 21 September 1973, when the donated legacy and the private collection of Dr Danilo Lokar were presented. The gallery is the first monographic gallery in Slovenia to be established on an artist’s legacy.
The permanent collection of Veno Pilon comprises more than 1,700 works, mostly drawings, followed by prints and paintings. In addition, the Zbirka del Pilonovih prijateljev (Collection of Works by Pilon’s Friends, more than 1,000 works) and the Zbirka Vipavski Križ (Vipavski Križ Collection), with works from art colonies between 1988 and 1999, were created. The permanent exhibition is set up on the first and second floors and, after the renovation, also includes the artist’s studio with original personal objects and interactive content, including VR glasses.
In the latest renovation (2022–2025) the gallery received new premises in the neighbouring Rustjeva hiša (Rustja House), where the new permanent exhibition of works by Pilon’s friends is on display. On the ground floor there are temporary exhibitions, lectures and events, a shop and a library.
Highlights
- Permanent collection of Veno Pilon with more than 1,700 works
- Reconstruction of the artist’s studio with original objects
- New permanent exhibition of works by Pilon’s friends in the Rustja House
- VR experience and tactile objects
- Shop and library in the house
Permanent exhibitions
- Stalna zbirka Vena Pilona – The exhibition on the first and second floors follows the artist’s development in different artistic genres; it includes a studio with original objects and a VR experience.
- Stalna razstava del Pilonovih prijateljev – The new display in the Rustja House presents the first exhibition of Pilon’s friends from 1978 and works by Danilo Jejčič and by artists who donated works to the gallery.
- Founded
- 1973
- Operated by
- Pilonova galerija Ajdovščina
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3schoolchildren, secondary school students, students |
| Children & teens | €3Schoolchildren, secondary school students and students €3; pre-school children enter free. |
| Seniors | €4 |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for disabled people and their companions. |
| Students & apprentices | €3Schoolchildren, secondary school students and students; students of art subjects enter free (with student ID). |
| Groups (10+ people) | €4 per personOrganised groups of more than 10 people, price per person. |
| Families | €8The family ticket applies to 2 adults with at least one child. |
| Guided tour for groups of up to 25 people | €30Price per group; school and kindergarten groups have admission and the guided tour free of charge. |
Free admission: Every first Sunday of the month; 8 February (Slovenian Culture Day), 18 May (International Museum Day), 18 June (Summer Museum Night) and 3 December (“Ta veseli dan kulture”, This Merry Day of Culture).
Free admission also for members of AICA, ZDSLU, SUZD, SMD and ICOM, journalists, unemployed persons (with proof) and group companions. Price list valid from 13 November 2025.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
A lift leads to the exhibition rooms on the upper floor and to the toilets.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | €8 · The family ticket applies to 2 adults with at least one child. |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
A guided tour for children, the crossword “Križem kražem z Venom Pilonom” (Criss-Cross with Veno Pilon), a Saturday creative workshop (€4), holiday workshops, colouring books and jigsaw puzzles.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The Stari mlin car park is recommended.
The gallery stands in the centre of Ajdovščina, in the protected area of Castra, near Lavričev trg; access is from Prešernova ulica.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
On the ground floor there is a small shop with publications, souvenirs and postcards; prints can also be bought. The gallery has a library.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Group guided tours are possible by prior announcement (pilonova.galerija@siol.net, +386 31 687 492). Learning sheets and workshops are available for schools and kindergartens. The Stari mlin car park is recommended. |
