Housed in a grand 19th-century palace, this gallery holds Slovenia’s foremost collection of art from the medieval era to the 1900s.
With art from the medieval and Gothic periods to neoclassical and contemporary times, the National Gallery of Slovenia (Narodna galerija) is the nation’s leading museum of art. Browse exhibits ranging from religious icons to works by European masters and sculptures from the 1800s and 1900s. The National Gallery of Slovenia opened in 1918 and is housed in a resplendent palace built by Czech architect František Škabrout in 1896.
Upon entering the main vestibule, notice the original Baroque-style Robba Fountain. Created by the Italian sculptor Francisco Robba, it portrays river gods from the historic Carniolan region. This elegant fountain stood for many years outside Ljubljana’s Town Hall a replica now stands in its place.
The gallery’s permanent collection features an extensive display of art from the 12th century to the early 1900s, showcasing the nation’s artistic evolution. Spot work by famed national painters such as Anton Cebej and Fortunat Bergant. See displays of religious icons, some of which date back to the 1100s. Appreciate the talents of artists from the 19th-century realism movement and Slovenia’s early modernism period.
The collection includes some European Paintings masterpieces by Dutch, French and Italian masters, among others. Featured artists are Luca Giordano and Martin Johann Schmidt. The collection also includes a series of paintings by Slovene Franc Kavčič, who learned his trade in Vienna and Rome.
Ask at the reception area about temporary exhibits and events. They range from photography displays and art by children to lectures and philharmonic recitals.
Reach the gallery west of Ljubljana’s city center, about a 20-minute walk from the city’s central train station. Limited paid parking is available on the surrounding streets. The gallery faces Tivoli Park, a sprawling green space crisscrossed by tree-lined paths.
The National Gallery of Slovenia is open from Tuesday to Sunday, except for select national holidays. It has an admission fee. Admission to the permanent collections is free on the first Sunday of the month. Guided tours in English are available, for a fee, by prior arrangement. Find full details on the gallery’s official website.
