GALERIE NATIONALE DE SLOVÉNIE (NARODNA GALERIJA)

The National Gallery of Slovenia is the central institution of ancient art in Slovenia. It holds the largest collection of Slovenian plastic works - from the early Middle Ages to the 20th century. The first exhibition in the permanent collection of Slovenian art dates back to 1933 in the Narodni Dom building in 1896 and was built according to the designs of František Škabrout, the Czech architect (Cankarjeva cesta 20). The collection follows a chronological order: from the Gothic plastic works of the 13th century to the paintings of the Slovenian Impressionists at the beginning of the 20th century.

The presentation of the medieval sculpture is enriched by the regional particularities of this period. Baroque art of the 17th and 18th centuries determines the works of Carniolan painters such as Valentin Metzinger, Anton Cebej, Fortunat Bergant and Franc Jelovšek as well as wood carving. The collection of 19th century paintings expresses the evolution of painting: it begins with the portraits and regions of Biedermeier, continues with the romantic landscapes and late realism of the 19th century and ends with impressionism. The opuses of Jožef Petkovšek, the works of the Šubic brothers, Ivana Kobilca and Anton Ažbe express great interest. 19th century sculpture is represented by the works of Alojzij Gangl, Alojzij Repič, Ivan Zajec and other historical representatives. The works of sculptors such as Franc Berneker, Svetoslav Peruzzi and Lojze Dolinar are marked by more modern trends. With the paintings of Impressionists Ivan Grohar, Rihard Jakopič, Matija Jama and Matej Sternen, the collection extends into the 20th century, but rather into the period of efforts to consolidate national art. In 1997, the permanent collection was placed in the new added building, otherwise known as the European Painters' Picture Gallery. The works are arranged according to nationalities and schools (Italian painters, Spanish school, French painters, Flemish and Dutch painters, German and Central European painters, as well as 19th and 20th century painters). The glass entrance, which was built in 2001, and two exhibition rooms are intended for temporary exhibitions or events.

In general, this place has an undisguised enthusiasm, accentuated by the friendliness of the staff as well as by the popularized presentation of the works and artists, accessible to people who do not know how to read Slovenian.