Where to spend Cultural Holiday – Prešeren Day in Slovenia ?

On Prešeren Day, Slovenian museums and galleries open their doors wide, allowing the public to explore their exhibitions for free.

This is an excellent occasion to delve into the world of Slovenian art and culture, and many cultural institutions also offer exciting and educational workshops for children.

Unforgexttable Experiences in Ljubljana

In Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, there are numerous ways to celebrate this cultural day. Start your journey with a spectacular view of the city. Guided tours at Ljubljana Castle offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's history, and you will learn about the many legends that have shaped the capital. In addition to the historic ambiance of the castle, you can also visit the National Gallery, where you can explore the evolution of Slovenian art. Just a short walk away is the Museum of Modern Art, where contemporary Slovenian art is on display.

For those interested in Ljubljana’s architectural heritage, a visit to Plečnik’s House is a must. Jože Plečnik is considered one of the most influential architects in Slovenia, and his work has shaped the modern appearance of Ljubljana. At Plečnik’s House, you can explore an exhibition called Master Carver and get to know the genius behind the city’s iconic structures.

Meanwhile, the City Museum of Ljubljana presents exhibitions covering the city’s history and its evolving fashion trends, while the Sports Museum offers a chance to learn about Slovenia's sporting achievements. Prešeren Day also allows free access to the Cukrarna Gallery, Bežigrad Galleries, Vžigalica Gallery (The Match Gallery), and Creative Hub Center Rog.

And don't forget to visit Slovene Etnographic Museum!

The Museum of Recent and Contemporary History will showcase a special exhibition by young artists, titled Happiness, Joy, and Laughter, exploring the expressions of happiness through art.

Exploring Other Slovenian Cities

Outside Ljubljana, there are even more opportunities to experience Slovenia’s cultural treasures. In Maribor, the Mars Institute invites visitors to explore the world of creativity, from technology to innovation. The University of Maribor is hosting an event titled Povezija – Poetry Connects, which aims to show how technical sciences are intertwined with imagination and emotions. The Media Nox Gallery in Maribor will also hold a guided tour where visitors can learn about General Rudolf Maister, a national hero. Additionally, the city is home to the world’s oldest grapevine, which you can visit on Prešeren Day.

In Pivka, the Park of Military History offers a fascinating look at Slovenia’s military past, with exhibitions featuring tanks, submarines, and historic aircraft. Similarly, Idrija is home to the Idrija Municipal Museum, where visitors can explore exhibitions on traditional Idrija lace and the region’s mercury mining heritage.

For those in the northeastern part of the country, Murska Sobota invites visitors to the Pomurje Museum, which focuses on the cultural and historical heritage of the Prekmurje region. Further south in Novo Mesto, the Dolenjska Museum offers an insight into the rich archaeological history of the region, including the famous Situla Art.

Art Through Kid's Eyes

Prešeren Day is also an opportunity for children to engage with art and culture in a fun and educational way. In Ljubljana, the City Museum organizes a workshop called Threads of the Past, where children can learn about sewing, embroidery, and weaving family bonds. The National Gallery and the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum will host drawing and creative workshops, while at Plečnik’s House, children can explore architecture through the eyes of a playful puppy named Sivko.

At the School Museum, children can participate in workshops focused on reading, calligraphy, and etiquette lessons. The National Museum offers a treasure hunt, and the Natural History Museum provides an exciting exploration of the Moon, animals, and plants.

In Maribor, the Maribor Library will hold a delightful puppet show for children, while in Idrija, youngsters can learn about the tradition of lace-making at a special workshop at the Idrija Municipal Museum. Novo Mesto will also offer hands-on archaeological activities for children at the Dolenjska Museum, encouraging them to discover the region’s ancient past.

The cultural landscape of Slovenia is vast and varied, offering something for everyone. Whether it’s exploring the legacy of Prešeren at his birthplace in Vrba or enjoying the Cultural Caravan in Koper, there is no shortage of cultural events to take part in. For those in Žirovnica, you can walk along the Žirovnica Cultural Heritage Trail and gain deeper insight into Prešeren’s life and work.

Unveil the Richness of Slovenia Art and find something special for yourself

There is much more to see in Slovenia. Discover it for yourself. Art is a mirror of life. On the Cultural Holiday, give yourself and younger generations the opportunity to explore art and discover themselves.