Tina from Ljubljana

About me Lively, chatty, and most of all, always on the lookout for something fresh and fun to shake up my everyday routine. Art historian by education, culture lover by heart, and last but not least, very OCD when it comes to matching colors and patterns (so don't wear different socks in front of me – unless you want to give me a headache). I love to mix up tradition and give i...

Feb 4, 2025

Rihard Jakopič Ljubljana

Artist, entrepreneur or both?

""Rihard Jakopič" was a great artist & entrepreneur in Ljubljana. He created the very first exhibition space in the city. This is his statue..."

There is a statue of Rihard Jakopič (by Bojan Kunaver) marking the spot of the very first Slovenian exhibition space – the Jakopič pavilion. Not to be confused with the Jakopič Gallery on Aškerčeva street, where there is another Jakopič bust by Janez Boljka (although I recommend you go there as well), this one is in close proximity to the Jakopič promenade.

Now, you're probably anxiously waiting for me to explain who this Jakopič dude is. This Jakopič dude is one of the four most renowned Slovenian impressionists, but definitely the best one when it came to entrepreneurship. The pavilion I started with wasn't just named after him – it was his. He financed it, he ran it, he curated exhibitions in it, he exhibited in it, he sold art in it AND he held art classes in it. Not sure how well you know the art world, but things don't run this way nowadays. It's nearly impossible (also a bit immoral) to be an artist, curator, gallerist, director, art-seller and art teacher all at the same time, let alone in one small space. Yet it WAS possible at the beginning of the 20th century.

On one hand, Ljubljana could be nothing but thankful to gain such a space, on the other there was one sole guy "dictating" (pardone moi) the whole art scene! Cray. The pavilion was destroyed in the sixties, but you can still see photos of it in the nearby Modern Gallery, where his paintings can be seen too.

Art & culture

About this spot

Prešernova cesta 35

€

free

Find your way with 94 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Ljubljana guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Ljubljana

Corner Stones

Inhabitants of medieval Laibach

It was YEARS before I knew what these "corner stones" from medieval Ljubljana - or I should say, these odd little people staring at me - were all about...

Art & culture

Relaxing

Tina

Kralj

Mar 20, 2025

Plečnik's Stadium

Decaying architectural gem

"Plečnik's Stadium" in Ljubljana is one of the many buildings created by the famous architect, but unlike its counterparts, this has almost fallen to ruin!

Art & culture

Tjasa

Janovljak

Mar 16, 2025

Navje

Can cemeteries be fun?

"Navje" Ljubljana is a actually a really nice cemetery to visit. I bet that more than half the local haven't even been here - why not challenge yourself?

Art & culture

Relaxing

Tjasa

Janovljak

Mar 15, 2025

Koseski Bajer Pond

Have a walk around

"Koseski Bajer Pond" is a small artificial small lake that serves as an adventurous playground where people go to exercise, jog, cycle around or relax...

Relaxing

Tjasa

Janovljak

Mar 15, 2025

Spica

The spiky oasis

"Spica" in Ljubljana is on the river Ljubljanica. It's the perfect getaway green oasis from the urban hustle and bustle. It's not far from the center...

Relaxing

Tjasa

Janovljak

Mar 14, 2025

Stara roba - nova raba

Used stuff - new usage

Stara roba – nova raba Ljubljana is a known as Slovenia's first thrift store – and as of now operates as a non-governmental supporting the homeless...

Shopping

Tjasa

Janovljak

Mar 8, 2025

Reber

115 steps to a beautiful view

"Reber" Ljubljana is a set of stairs that takes you to one of the most romantic spots to enjoy the beautiful views. I love to sit on the fence with my...

Relaxing