Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova
Central Slovenia
The Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova, located in Ljubljana, Slovenia, is an autonomous cultural centre housed in seven former military barracks covering 12,500 square meters. Originally serving as military headquarters for the Austro-Hungarian and later Yugoslav People's Army, the site was abandoned following Slovenia's independence in 1991. Since 1993, it has been occupied by artists, activists, and youth organizations who transformed it into a hub of alternative culture and social activism. The centre hosts art exhibitions, performances, concerts, and provides ateliers for many artists, as well as office space for NGOs and LGBT associations. Despite ambiguous support and occasional threats from municipal authorities, Metelkova has gained recognition as a national cultural heritage site since 2005. It plays a significant role in promoting tolerance, creativity, and the cultural identity of Ljubljana, attracting both locals and tourists with its unique blend of history and contemporary urban culture.
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Tip: Visit Metelkova in the late afternoon or evening to experience its vibrant cultural events and nightlife. Check the official website or local listings for schedules of exhibitions, performances, and concerts. While entry to the area is free, some events may require tickets or reservations. Consider exploring guided tours to better understand its complex history and cultural significance. Discounts or special access may be available for students and groups.
Interesting facts
- •Metelkova consists of seven former military barracks covering 12,500 square meters.
- •The site was squatted in 1993 and declared an autonomous social centre in 1995.
- •In 2005, Metelkova was recognized as a national cultural heritage site by Slovenia.
- •The centre hosts ateliers for artists and offices for NGOs and LGBT associations.
- •A volunteer-built summer lodge called the Small School was demolished in 2006 despite municipal subsidies.
History
The site of Metelkova was originally military barracks for the Austro-Hungarian Empire and later the Yugoslav People's Army until 1991 when Slovenia declared independence.
Following the army's departure, the area became a brownfield site.
In 1991, over 200 alternative and youth organizations requested permission to use the site for peaceful cultural activities.
Despite some formal permissions, the municipality's ambiguous stance led to the illegal occupation of the site in 1993 by activists.
Since then, Metelkova evolved into an autonomous cultural centre, recognized in 2005 as a national cultural heritage site.
Over the years, it has faced challenges from authorities, including the demolition of volunteer-built structures, yet it remains a vibrant symbol of alternative culture in Ljubljana.
Place Guide
Former Military Barracks19th century - 20th century
The seven buildings that make up Metelkova were once military barracks used by the Austro-Hungarian Empire and later the Yugoslav People's Army. These historic structures now house artist studios, cultural organizations, and event spaces, blending historical architecture with contemporary urban culture.
Art Studios and Exhibition SpacesPost-1993
Many artists have their own ateliers within Metelkova, and the centre regularly hosts art exhibitions, performances, and concerts that showcase alternative and contemporary art forms.
Small School (Mala Šola) Site2001 - 2006
Originally a volunteer-built summer lodge constructed in 2001 with municipal subsidies, the Small School was declared abusive and demolished in 2006. Although there are plans to rebuild it, it remains a symbol of the tensions between Metelkova and local authorities.
Contact
Phone: (01) 241 68 00