Rihard Jakopič Ljubljana
Artist, entrepreneur or both?
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.
About this spot
Prešernova cesta 35
€
free
Find your way with 94 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Ljubljana
Žale
Place of silence
"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
Tjasa
Janovljak
Godec Pub
Strictly analog!
"Godec Pub" in Ljubljana is without a shadow of a doubt one of the legendary pubs in the city. Pure rock 'n roll, craft beer and no WiFi or TVs! I love it.
by
Tjasa
Janovljak
FTP @ Technology Park
Food Transfer Protocol
"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
Tjasa
Janovljak
K–House
And life became art
"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
Tina
Kralj
NIČ ART
Jump on the artsy bandwagon!
"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
Tina
Kralj
Northern City Park
Yo ho ho and a bust or a few!
"Northern City Park" in Ljubljana is a great choice when it comes to going for walk - I love the busts of important authors & the sea-themed playground!
by
Tina
Kralj
Črno Zrno
Colombian cold brew coffee
"Črno Zrno" in Ljubljana makes some specialty cold brew coffee that's truly unique - it's served in wine glasses and it has beer, like foam!
by
Miha
Poredoš
Vinska klet Brataševec–Trošt
Liters good wine
"Vinska klet Brataševec–Trošt" Ljublana is a wine shop that stores wines from the Vipava valley in south Slovenia that you can buy as well as taste there.
by
Tjasa
Janovljak
MGL
Back to the theatre?
"MGL" Ljubljana City Theatre is one of my favorite theaters. You can also watch it online for free on their Youtube channel...
by
Tina
Kralj
Cafetino
The world in one cup
"Cafetino" in Ljubljana WILL make your head spine from there choice in coffee. My classic choice is the Yemen mocha, but you really can't go wrong here...
by
Tina
Kralj
Gostilna Vida
Meal in a fairytale jungle
"Gostilna Vida" is a restaurant in Ljubljana that makes me feel as if I'm inside a jungle! I like it because it has something for every strange need...
by
Tina
Kralj
Edifice Meksika
"Viva Mexico" in Ljubljana?
"Edifice Meksika" was the first collective residential building for workers by the city of Ljubljana. I love the frescoes by Rihard Jakopič inside it...
by
Tina
Kralj
Heading to Ljubljana?
94 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Ljubljana?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 94 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Ljubljana
Get to know our other Spotters from Ljubljana
As featured on:
