GALERIE NATIONALE DE SLOVÉNIE (NARODNA GALERIJA)

The National Gallery of Slovenia is the central institution of ancient art in Slovenia. It preserves the largest collection of Slovenian plastic works - from the early Middle Ages to the 20th century. The first exhibition of the permanent collection of Slovenian art was held in 1933 in the Narodni Dom building, which was built in 1896 according to the designs of the Czech architect František Škabrout (Cankarjeva cesta 20). In 1997, the permanent collection was moved to the newly added building, otherwise known as the Gallery of European Painters. The works are arranged according to nationalities and schools (Italian painters, the Spanish school, French painters, Flemish and Dutch painters, German and Central European painters, and painters of the 19th and 20th centuries). The glass entrance, which was built in 2001, and two exhibition rooms are intended for temporary exhibitions or events.

In 2018, it was awarded the Golden Order of Merit for its outstanding contribution to the formation of Slovenian cultural identity and for its 100th anniversary.

The collection follows chronological order: from Gothic plastic works from the 13th century to paintings by Slovenian impressionists from the early 20th century.

The presentation of medieval sculpture is enriched by the regional characteristics 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 woodcarving.

The collection of 19th centurypaintingsexpresses the evolution of painting: it begins with Biedermeier portraits and landscapes, continues with romantic landscapes and late 19th century realism and ends with impressionism. Of great interest are the works of Jožef Petkovšek, the Šubic brothers, Ivana Kobilca and Anton Ažbe. The sculpture of the 19th century 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.