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.
Prešernova cesta 35
€
free
Find your way with 95 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Ana Desetnica is a unique international street theatre festival in Ljubljana. So many feelings. Let this festival hit (on) you in indescribable ways...
by
Ljubljana has a number of Public Drinking Fountains, some new, some older. We locals are very proud of our fresh tap water, and finding them is fun!
by
The "Sax Pub Mural" in Ljubljana was recently 'restored', and the new work by artist Matthieu Tremblin begs the question - whose mural is it now?
by
"WOOP! Arena" in Ljubljana brings together bowling and escape rooms. Come here, have a fun-tastic time - thank me later...
by
This "Mushroom Roof" in Ljubljana was erected in 1968 - modernist architecture fans will definitely love it!
by
Did you know that Ljubljana has its own "Stolpersteine", or 'stumbling blocks' that commemorate the city's oft-forgotten Jewish holocaust victims?
by
"FTP @ Technological park" is a bistro in Ljubljana that always makes me happy. I love their daily options and low-carb lunches. Try their romantic Šabesa.
by
"Žale" Ljubjlana is one more cemetery I love. I promise, I'm not 'black!' This one's truly an outdoor gallery and the Garden of all Saints is spectacular!
by
"K–House" in Ljubljana is an award-winning apartment building made to look like a gallery, especially as you can look inside! A bit stalkerish, but OK!
by
"NIČ ART" in Ljubljana is more than just an atelier open for everyone - it's a hip place you simply have to check out for yourself!
by
95 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 95 Insider Tips