Contemporary architectural sights in Slovenia

Museum of Architecture and Design (MAO)

This museum for architecture, urban planning, and industrial and graphic design houses over 100,000 different items. Its collection displays works by about one thousand prominent Slovenian designers from the 20th and the 21st centuries, and you can also find products made by designers such as Ron Arad and Konstantin Grcic. The Museum regularly organises interesting themed exhibitions, and when you visit, don’t miss the shop, which offers products by Slovenian designers. It is housed in the wonderful Renaissance Fužine Castle, surrounded by a park and the River Ljubljanica.

More about MAO

Following the trail of iconic architectural masterpieces

The image of Slovenian towns and cities has been shaped by various eras, starting as far back as ancient times.  In modern history two creators were particularly outstanding. These are Maks Fabiani, personal adviser to Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Franz Ferdinand and Otto Wagner's colleague, and Jože Plečnik, who worked in Vienna, Prague and Ljubljana. Take a walk among the masterpieces of the great Slovenian architects and contemporary architectural achievements worth seeing.

Architectural achievements of the time

At the time of their construction some of the Slovenian buildings were considered outstanding not only in Slovenia but in the global context. Although they might not cause such strong reactions as they used to, they still draw attention with their stories and content.

Nebotičnik

One of the greatest architectural icons and symbols of progress in the Slovenian capital was built in 1933. Its height of 70 metres made it the tallest building in Central Europe and it remained such for a long time. Its architect, Vladimir Šubic, introduced such technical innovations, residential standards, and other ideas that Nebotičnik was also considered to be one of the greatest architectural projects in both Europe and the USA. Go up to its top floors and visit a restaurant, bar, and terrace, where you will experience an unforgettable view of Ljubljana and its surroundings.

Visit the Nebotičnik skyscraper

Art Nouveau in Ljubljana

Explore the Slovenian treasury of Art Nouveau buildings from the beginning of the 20th century. Most of them are in the city centre, near the Three Bridges and Prešeren Square. Here, you can find the narrow, painted Hauptman House and the incredible Urbanc House, which was the first department store in Ljubljana If you walk down Miklošičeva Street, you can discover more gems, such as the Grand Hotel Union and the Cooperative Economic Bank at number eight. The latter is an exceptional example of the Slovenian response to late Art Nouveau and is the work of Ivan and Helena Vurnik. In your quest for architectural gems, make sure not to overlook the Dragon Bridge built in 1901, which started a new, very aesthetic style. 

Experience Ljubljana’s Art Nouveau heritage

Modernist Faces of Slovenian Cities

Slovenian modernism, most notably influenced by Plečnik’s student Edvard Ravnikar, was more than a style – it was a movement that sought to use architecture and design to help establish a new, classless society where necessities of life would be accessible and beautiful. This led to the creation of famous neighbourhoods and iconic modernist buildings.

Take a look at some of the most beautiful examples of modernist buildings

On the path of the past and the future  

Combine tours of architectural attractions with tasting culinary masterpieces, enjoying a classical concert, or seeing an exhibition and enjoying a wellness treatment.