6 Must-See Museums in Ljubljana and How to Visit

With its distinctive collection of folk costumes, traditional musical instruments, and cultural artifacts, the Slovene Ethnographic Museum is the perfect introduction to Ljubljana’s diverse cultural heritage. Its colorful exhibits bring Slovenia’s vibrant history and traditions to life.

The National Museum of Slovenia, the Ljubljana City Museum, and the Slovene Museum of Natural History are all worth a visit for those interested in Slovene history, but the Museum of Contemporary History is among the most compelling. Focusing on the city’s evolution throughout the 20th century, it’s located in the exquisite Cekin Mansion at the heart of leafy Tivoli Park.

Ljubljana’s hilltop castle is one of the city’s most visited attractions, but after taking a ride on the Ljubljana Castle funicular and admiring the views from the Outlook Tower, be sure to visit the castle museum. The Exhibition of Slovene History chronicles the region’s history through Roman, medieval, and Victorian times, WWI, and WWII, plus there’s a puppet museum devoted to the Slovene art of puppeteering.

The top ticket for art lovers is the National Gallery of Slovenia, home to the country’s largest art collection. The vast collection spans the 13th to 20th centuries, with a focus on Slovene art, and is housed in the Narodni Dom Palace. The neighboring Museum of Modern Art is also worth a visit, with a selection of works by 20th-century Slovene and international artists.

If you’ve been admiring the dramatic art nouveau designs of local architect Jože Plečnik, head to the Architecture Museum Ljubljana. There you can check out his collection of works and learn more about the city’s architectural development and homegrown architects.

Among the latest additions to Ljubljana’s museums, the Museum of Illusions is fast becoming one of its most popular. Filled with quirky displays, mind-bending illusions, and interactive exhibits, it’s a fun way to take a break from sightseeing and entertaining for all ages.