Fascinating Museums in Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a city full of culture, charming buildings and incredible cuisine; there is a lot to learn about the capital of Slovenia, which can be discovered through the range of incredible and fascinating museums spread throughout the city. If you’re making a trip to the quintessential city, read on to find out which museums to discover on your visit!

National Gallery of Slovenia

The National Gallery of Slovenia situated in the heart of Ljubljana is the leading art museum in Slovenia. The museum has been open since 1918 and is home to art from centuries-spanning back to 1200. The building is full of art for the whole family, featuring the notable Gal’s Room exhibition, a motivational room for children and adults alike, where you can learn about art through games and snap some good pictures. There’s always new and exciting exhibitions and projects on show as well as the permanent art collection.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm, Thursdays until 8 pm

Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova (MSUM)

Displaying modern and contemporary art, MSUM is a short walk from the National Gallery, home to work from the Arteast 2000+ collection and the MG+MSUM national collection. The Arteast 2000+ international collection is a must-see; it’s a notable collection which shows the dialogue between Western and Eastern European artists, many of which have been unknown or overlooked. As well as the many exhibitions on offer, the museum also has a library containing over 66,000 books!

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm

Slovene Ethnographic Museum

Founded in 1923 upon being separated from the National Museum of Slovenia, the Slovene Ethnographic Museum is responsible for keeping, persevering and the study of artefacts related to Slovenian material, social and spiritual culture. The museum has a calendar full of events that celebrate and explore the Slovenian history, as well as exhibitions celebrating other European and non-European cultures. One of the permanent exhibits; I, We and Others, focuses on a man’s place among others, reflecting different aspects of an individual’s sense of belonging, and is a must-see exhibition.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm

National Museum of Contemporary History

Located in the middle of Tivoli Park in the centre of Ljubljana, the National Museum of Contemporary History celebrates the history of Slovenians. Home to items from the First and Second war, the era of socialism and artefacts from the formation of the new Slovene state. As well as the permanent exhibitions, the museum has a variety of events for both children and adults, where visitors can learn about what has made Slovenian culture into what it is now.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm

City Museum of Ljubljana

Situated in Auersperg Palace, which is a stunning architectural monument, the City Museum of Ljubljana is home to Ljubljana’s cultural heritage. Holding over 200,000 objects related to the region’s heritage, the museum proudly displays the world’s oldest wooden wheel and a wooden point, both of which are over 40,000 years old! Upon your visit you can wander through the two archaeological parks, discovering the remains of Roman houses and the Emona city wall.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm, Thursdays 10 am – 9 pm

National Museum of Slovenia

The main museum of national history, the National Museum of Slovenia is home to some of the most important treasures of the world’s cultural heritage. One of the most notable treasures is the Neanderthal Flute from the Divje Babe excavation site, which is 60,000 years old. There are a variety of permanent exhibitions; a must-see is the Roman Stories from the Crossroads, which features archaeological finds from when Slovenia was part of the Roman Empire.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm, Thursday and Saturdays 8 am – 10 pm

Railway Museum

The Railway Museum is the perfect place to learn how the railway system works in Slovenia, housed in a charming industrial building; you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of some rare models, a range of historical tools and unique exhibits. This museum is a true hidden gem of the country!

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm

Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions has locations all over the world; it’s an incredibly fascinating museum which will play tricks on your mind. From upside-down rooms to holograms and optical illusions to kaleidoscope discoveries, there is fun for everyone. Offering an immersive and interactive experience, the museum is a lot of fun and offers something different to the other museums in Ljubljana.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 am – 10 pm

Museum of Puppetry

Slovenia has a lot of cultural heritage, and puppetry holds a great deal of significance to the country. Open since 2015; the museum is situated in Ljubljana castle which has plenty to discover. The Museum of Puppetry is devoted to Slovenian puppetry artists and their heroes, visitors can learn about the milestones of puppetry history and immerse themselves into trying their hand at puppetry skills themselves!

Opening hours: January, February, March and November, 10 am – 6 pm, April, May and October, 9 am – 8 pm, June, July, August and September, 9 am – 9 pm and December 10 am – 8 pm.

There is a lot to explore in Ljubljana, with a great deal to learn and discover at the many museums that are spread throughout the incredible city. If you’re heading on our husky experience tour, you’ll get the chance to explore the beautiful municipal at your leisure, one or two of these interesting museums are a must in your free time. If you have any questions about Ljubljana, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly and knowledgeable team!

Read more from our blog here