Modernist faces of Slovenian cities

The modernist pearls of Slovenian cities impress with their beauty, originality and deep sense of humanism. The modernist movement put people at the centre of its focus, which is why modernist cities are still beautiful to live in today.

Modernism – the revolution of good life

Modernism flourished after World War II as part of a new social order that put people at its centre. It offered them a life in functional housing equipped with locally produced furniture, in large neighbourhoods where everything from kindergartens, schools and health centres to post offices, banks and sports grounds were within easy reach. To live modernist was to live well.

Slovenian modernism, most notably influenced by Plečnik's pupil Edvard Ravnikar, was more than just a style, it was a movement that sought to use architecture and design to help create a new, classless society in which the things people need to live were accessible and beautiful. This is how famous neighbourhoods and iconic modernist buildings were created, and how objects that are still considered to be the highlights of Slovenian design today were born: Davorin Savnik's Iskra telephone, Janja Lap's glasses, and the famous Rex chair by Niko Kralj and kiosk by Saša J. Mächtig, which are also part of the permanent collection of New York's MoMA museum.

Ljubljana - panorama

LJUBLJANA: HUMANISM AND RETRO CHIC

Plečnik's Ljubljana is renowned as an urban space tailored to the needs of the people and reflecting the deeply humane vision of its creator, but the modern city, surrounded by large modernist neighbourhoods, is not only Plečnik's, but also the city of the architect Edvard Ravnikar, who left an indelible mark on it.

Trg republike, Ljubljana — Trg republike square in Ljubljana. Photo: Miran Kambič

Ravnikar designed the legendary TRG REPUBLIKE, formerly Trg revolucije, in the very centre of the city, where Slovenia declared its independence in 1991. Ljubljana's largest square, together with the buildings that surround it, is the heart of Slovenian modernism. There, alongside the Parliament, the two futuristic towers TR2 and TR3 that form Ljubljana's famous gate, Cankarjev dom and one of the first department stores, you will find the first Yugoslav pizzeria, where pizzas have been made in the same way for more than fifty years.

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Cankarjev dom

Slovenia's main cultural and congress centre is a vibrant hub of art, culture and ideas, offering everything from world-class concerts to contemporary exhibitions.

Fish

Since 1958, Tivoli has been home to a charming concrete sculpture in organic shapes by sculptor Vladimira Bratuž Furlan, which is both a work of art and a playground at the same time.

Kiosk K67

Saša J. Mächtig's iconic kiosk, a symbol of Slovenian modernist innovation, can also be found in front of the Delo newspaper tower on Dunajska cesta. Photo: MAO

Rex Chair

The famous armchair by Niko Kralj is the most recognisable piece of Slovenian design, and its shape is derived from the Slovenian hayrack. Photo: Boris Vranić

Plečnik's unrealised visions

Through the Nexto mobile app, you can discover unrealised projects by the great visionary that will amaze you.

Plečnik's unrealised visions

Through the Nexto mobile app, you can discover unrealised projects by the great visionary that will amaze you.

Plečnik’s Ljubljana

Follow the paths of Ravnikar's professor, the legendary architect who, before modernism, breathed humanism and tailor-made space into Ljubljana.

Slovenian Parliament

Vinko Glanz's modernist gem combines 14 different types of Slovenian stone, while the entrance portal is adorned by mighty marble statues celebrating the working class.

Ljubljana Post-Communism Tour

You will discover outstanding examples of brutalist architecture, communist monuments, the cult of personality, Yugonostalgia, censorship and the secret police prison. Photo: Katja Goljat

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Kranj - panorama

KRANJ: MODERNISM WITH A LOCAL TOUCH

A city with a rich industrial and artistic history found a new direction in its development in the post-war period. Following in the footsteps of architect Edvard Ravnikar in Kranj leads to an understanding of how architecture and the use of local materials can improve people's everyday lives. His legacy combines aesthetics and functionality with a focus on community well-being, and his attention to detail resulted in some truly spectacular buildings in the 1960s and 1970s. Authentic, rational, modest and local.

OLO Kranj (today’s Municipality of Kranj)

This masterpiece, which is now the seat of the Municipality of Kranj, combines elements of an ancient temple and a Slovenian hayrack, linking tradition with modernism. Photo: Jošt Gantar

Globus Shopping House

The iconic building with its red-brown façade of Corten steel, today home to the Municipal Library, is a symbol of industrial progress and innovation. Photo: Jošt Gantar

Hotel Creina

A unique architectural design standing on thin concrete columns. The hotel connects the old town centre with the new centre of Kranj and impresses with its retro chic. Photo: Jošt Gantar

National Bank of Kranj

This modern office building with its characteristic polygonal design and façade of visible concrete reflects the innovation and functionality of Ravnikar's architecture. Photo: Jošt Gantar

Architectural walk around Kranj

Discover the masterpieces of three giants of modern architecture: Jože Plečnik, Ivan Vurnik and Edvard Ravnikar, who left a strong mark on Kranj.

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Velenje - panorama

VELENJE – A MODERNIST SHOP WINDOW IN GREENERY

A city with vision and youthful energy, also known as the city in the park, Velenje grew rapidly and completely anew in the 1950s and 1960s, with the explicit support of Tito, amidst the greenery of Šalek, to provide a sunny home for the growing number of miners. With 30,000 new apartments, Velenje soon became a multicultural centre, with families from all over Yugoslavia moving in because of the coal mine and the industrial giant Gorenje. Ambitious urban plans were based on functionality, aesthetics and working-class welfare, with an emphasis on the collective good, culture and relaxation for all residents.

Titov trg

The central city square is designed as a space for gatherings, cultural events and celebrations, and is surrounded by all the city's key buildings. Photo: Matej Vranič

Velenje Cultural Centre

The cathedral of culture and Oton Gaspari's architectural masterpiece is a work of art with its interplay of colourful stained glass, natural stone and sculptures.

Statue of Marshal Josip Broz Tito

The largest statue of Tito in the world, 10 metres high, is one of the few that was not demolished after the break-up of Yugoslavia. It was erected by miners to thank him for allowing them to build the city.

De Luxe kitchen scales

An iconic object of modernist design and the most famous product of industrial designer Ciril Cesar, it delighted housewives throughout Yugoslavia.

A retro stroll through Velenje

A nostalgic and fun interactive tour through the city centre and a socialist brunch in the workers' club.

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Nova Gorica - panorama

NOVA GORICA – CITY OF THE BORDER

When the city of Gorizia was taken over by Italy after World War II, Slovenia needed a new urban centre for the people who remained on this side of the border, but at the same time the Yugoslav government wanted to build a city that would shine across the border and testify to the progress of the new country. Thus, in accordance with Edvard Ravnikar's plans, which were only partially realised in the end, the modernist Nova Gorica was born in the middle of nowhere as a symbol of the new society. The city in the park, as it is known, is characterised by its functionality, aesthetics and abundant greenery. The city's modern urban life is characterised by a geometrically arranged network of streets and open spaces connecting the city's diverse districts.

Municipal Palace

Designed by Vinko Glanz in accordance with modernist principles, it is characterised by its simple geometric design, straight lines and connection with its surroundings.

Russian blocks of flats

Ravnikar's free-standing blocks of flats, surrounded by greenery, are the heart of the city's modernist heritage. They were the first collective housing buildings in the city.

The Beehive

The colourful boxes of this unique honeycomb-shaped commercial and residential block, designed by Ernest Bergant, are reminiscent of a beehive.

Nova Gorica Bus Station

The elegant reinforced concrete construction by Milivoj Lapuh, the large glass surfaces and the building's integration into the park environment will impress you.

Na šverc!

In the former local border crossing at Pristava, you will learn all about the smuggling that once flourished along the border.

Na šverc!

In the former local border crossing at Pristava, you will learn all about the smuggling that once flourished along the border.

Escape room in Nova Gorica

Oops, you have been stopped at the border by the guards, who suspect you of smuggling. See if you can get out of the room where you are being interrogated!

A sensory model of the city

Visually impaired and partially sighted people can now fully experience the feel of Nova Gorica by walking their fingers through buildings and streets made of cubes.

GO S50-60

This photographic exhibition shows how the shock workers built the city on the meadow after the war and how its most iconic buildings were created.

Cities tailored to people

Slovenian cities have a special charm. They pulsate in a unique way to a pleasant rhythm, tailored to people. What sets them apart is that they can conjure up a sense of humanity and freedom in an hour or two – a quality often overlooked in the world's bigger cities. They have an extraordinary power to make you feel really good in their own way.

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Modernist faces of Slovenian cities