Not only is Ljubljana, Slovenia, a charming capital city — it’s also a World Heritage Site. And it’s listed because of architect Jože Plečnik. Between the World Wars he designed buildings and spaces in Ljubljana, taking it from a provincial city in Austro-Hungarian Empire to the capital of the Slovenian people. Instead of creating grandiose and intimidating structures, he worked on human-scale projects, integrating them into the pre-existing urban, natural and cultural context. And although a Modernist, his works have a human warmth to them that other Modernist buildings lack.
The Slovene National and University Library serves as a good example of his style. Here’s a quick view of the reading room.
But let’s back up. As you enter, you’re greeted by the horses on the front door handles. The initial lobby is small, utilitarian, and a bit cramped. But as you go up the stairs the building opens to marble floors and columns — very temple-like.
But when you enter the reading room, the coldness of the marble gives way to the warmth of the wood. Light from the large walls of windows at both ends of the room contributes to the feeling of openness and enlightenment.
Back outside, just look at that brick work. It really is simply stunning.
And walking around Ljubljana, there are plenty of other Plečnik works to admire. Hook up with a walking tour to find out more.
When we went in 2022, the library reading room was open on Saturdays. During the week, the other parts of the library are open, just not the reading room.
