Our artistic journey in Slovenia begins in the heart of Ljubljana, home to two remarkable institutions: The National Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art Ljubljana.

The National Gallery (Narodna galerija), located at Prešernova cesta 24, is a true treasure trove of Slovenian art. It is located in the very center of the city, just a few minutes' walk from the main train station. The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and even until 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays. An entrance ticket costs about 10 euros for adults, with discounts for children and seniors.

The National Gallery houses an impressive collection of artworks from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. Particularly noteworthy are paintings by Slovenian Impressionists such as Ivan Grohar and Rihard Jakopič. The gallery also offers interactive audio guides that are available in several languages, making it friendly to foreign tourists.

For families with children, the National Gallery organizes special workshops and educational programs that introduce the youngest to the world of art in an accessible way. It's worth checking the schedule of events on the gallery's official website before visiting.

Just a few steps away, at Cankarjeva cesta 15, is the Museum of Modern Art Ljubljana (Moderna galerija). This is a place that will delight lovers of modern art. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from 5 to 7 euros, with discounts available for various groups.

Moderna galerija presents an impressive collection of Slovenian and international art of the 20th and 21st centuries. It features works by artists such as Zoran Mušič and Marko Peljhan. The museum is famous for holding temporary exhibitions that often present the latest trends in contemporary art.

Of note are the interactive installations, which are especially attractive to younger visitors. The museum also offers interesting educational programs and workshops for children and teenagers, making it a great place for a family outing.

Both institutions are located in close proximity to Tivoli Park, giving you the opportunity to combine a visit to the galleries with a relaxing stroll in one of Ljubljana's most beautiful parks. There are also many cafes and restaurants in the area, where you can relax and discuss your impressions of the exhibitions you saw.

Keep in mind that both the National Gallery and Moderna galerija are adapted for people with disabilities, offering elevators and special facilities. It's also worth mentioning that both institutions regularly update their exhibitions, so even if you've visited before, you'll always find something new and inspiring.

Leaving the center of Ljubljana, it's worth heading east of Slovenia to the picturesque town of Kostanjevica na Krki. There, a former Cistercian monastery houses Galerija Božidar Jakac, one of the largest art galleries in Slovenia.

Galerija Božidar Jakac, located at Grajska cesta 45, 8311 Kostanjevica na Krki, is a real gem for art lovers. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer season (April-October) and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter season. An entrance ticket costs about 7 euros for adults, with discounts available for children, students and senior citizens.

Kostanjevica on Krki is most easily reached by car - the trip from Ljubljana takes about an hour. For those using public transportation, buses are available from Ljubljana to Novi Mesto, from where you can take a local bus to Kostanjevica.

The gallery is famous for its impressive collection of 20th century Slovenian art, with a special focus on the work of Božidar Jakac, after whom it takes its name. It is worth noting the unique combination of contemporary art with the historic architecture of the monastery, which creates an unusual atmosphere.

For families with children, the gallery offers special educational programs and art workshops. The sculpture park surrounding the gallery is also worth a visit - a great place to have a picnic and relax after a visit.

When returning to Ljubljana, don't miss one of the newest and most exciting exhibition spaces - Cukrarna. This impressive contemporary art gallery is housed in a renovated former sugar factory building at Poljanski nasip 40.

Cukrarna is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from 6 to 8 euros, with discounts available. The gallery is easily accessible on foot from the center of Ljubljana or by public transportation - the nearest bus stop is 'Roška'.

What sets Cukrarna apart is its impressive architecture and innovative approach to art presentation. The gallery regularly hosts contemporary art exhibitions, installations and performances by artists from around the world. The exhibition space is huge and allows for the presentation of even the most ambitious art projects.

Cukrarna also offers interesting educational programs and workshops for children and young people, making it a great place for a family outing. The building also has a cafe with a beautiful view of the Ljubljanica River, where you can relax after a tour.

Both Galerija Božidar Jakac and Cukrarna are fully accessible to people with disabilities. Note that both institutions regularly change their exhibitions, so it's always a good idea to check their current programs before visiting.

The two galleries offer completely different experiences - from the classic presentation of art in a historic setting to modern, multimedia exhibitions in an industrial space. Together, they paint a fascinating picture of Slovenia's contemporary art scene.

Our art tour of Slovenia would not be complete without visiting several alternative art spaces that give Ljubljana its unique character. We'll start with Škuc Gallery, then visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova, and finish with a look at some smaller but equally fascinating galleries.

Škuc Gallery, located at Stari trg 21 in the heart of Ljubljana's old town, is one of the oldest and most influential independent galleries in Slovenia. The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and admission is free. It is an ideal place for those seeking art that pushes boundaries and challenges the status quo.

Škuc Gallery is known for showcasing the work of young, avant-garde artists and organizing exhibitions on important social and political issues. The gallery also frequently organizes performances, discussions and workshops, making it a lively cultural center of the city.

Another must-see on Ljubljana's alternative art map is the Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova (MSUM), located on Maistrova Street 3. The museum is housed in a former military barracks and is part of the alternative cultural center Metelkova Mesto. The MSUM is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, and tickets cost about 5 euros.

MSUM presents a permanent collection of Eastern European art from the 1960s to the present, and also holds temporary exhibitions by artists from around the world. What sets MSUM apart is its unconventional approach to art presentation and experimental art projects.

In addition to exhibitions, MSUM also offers interesting educational programs and workshops for children and young people. The museum's surroundings are worth noting - Metelkova Mesto is a fascinating example of alternative urban culture, full of street art and unconventional architecture.

For those who want to delve even deeper into the local art scene, we recommend visiting several smaller galleries. One worth checking out is DobraVaga at Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 5, which specializes in showcasing the work of young Slovenian artists. The gallery is open daily and offers the opportunity to purchase original artwork at affordable prices.

Another interesting place is Galerija Fotografija at Trubarjeva cesta 72, which focuses on art photography. This is an ideal place for photography lovers, offering both exhibitions and the opportunity to purchase high-quality prints.

All of these venues are easily accessible on foot or by public transportation in the center of Ljubljana. It's worth remembering that many of these alternative art spaces hold evening events, such as vernissages or meetings with artists, which are a great opportunity to take a deeper dive into the local art scene.

All in all, Ljubljana and Slovenia offer an extremely diverse and fascinating art scene. From renowned state institutions to independent galleries and alternative art spaces, there is something for every culture lover. It's worth planning at least a few days to explore these places to fully appreciate the richness of Slovenian art and culture. Remember that art in Slovenia is not only what you will see in the galleries, but also the atmosphere of the city, its architecture and the openness of its people. All this adds up to an unforgettable cultural experience that will remain in your memory for a long time.