Muzej sodobne umetnosti Metelkova
Eastern European avant-garde art from the 1960s to the present in Ljubljana's former barracks
The Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova (+MSUM) is part of the MG+MSUM institution (Moderna galerija + Museum of Contemporary Art). Located at Maistrova 3 in the museum quarter occupying former Austro-Hungarian barracks, the building was renovated in 2011 by Groleger Arhitekti.
From Prešeren Square it's a 15–20-minute walk northeast, past the Dragon Bridge. From the railway station – just 5 minutes on foot. Bus no. 5 to the Ilirska stop.
Tickets cost €5; free with the Ljubljana Card. First Sunday of every month – free admission. Allow 1–2 hours for a visit.
The museum occupies three floors of the renovated barracks building. Its core is the Arteast 2000+ collection: a dialogue between key Western and Eastern European avant-garde artists from the 1960s onward, including previously overlooked figures from Eastern Europe. The ground floor holds the permanent display; temporary exhibitions and curatorial projects occupy the second floor.
The architecture itself functions as an exhibit: narrow slits in walls reveal artworks in adjacent rooms, creating unexpected visual connections. Many pieces are interactive. Gallery lighting is minimalist, with the focus on the works. Floors are connected by lift and stairs.
The ground floor houses a café and the MG Bookstore, stocking exhibition catalogues and contemporary art publications. The museum library holds 66,000 volumes – journals, catalogues, and newspapers on contemporary art. Adjacent to the museum is the autonomous Metelkova Mesto cultural centre with street art, clubs, and galleries.
Arteast 2000+ collection – one of the largest collections of Eastern European avant-garde art, assembled since 1995
Building – renovated 19th-century barracks by Groleger Arhitekti (2011)
Library – 66,000 books, catalogues, and periodicals on contemporary art
Museum quarter – alongside the Ethnographic Museum and National Museum of Slovenia at Metelkova
Interactivity – many exhibits are designed for viewer participation
The museum concept grew from the Arteast 2000+ collection, which Moderna galerija began assembling in 1995 under director Zdenka Badovinac. In 2002, the plan for a museum at Metelkova 22 was formalised and included in Slovenia's National Programme for Culture 2004–2007.
Renovation of the former barracks was completed in 2011, and the museum opened in November that year. Since then, MSUM has hosted international exhibition projects and the U3 Triennial of Contemporary Slovenian Art. Works from the Arteast 2000+ collection have travelled to New York, Pittsburgh, and cities across Europe.
Admission:
Adults – €5
Combined ticket MG + MSUM – €7.50
Family – €12
Free with Ljubljana Card
Free admission:
First Sunday of every month
Preschool children
Unemployed visitors (with documentation)
ICOM, CIMAM cardholders
Tickets sold until 17:30 (30 minutes before closing).
Photography policy varies by exhibition – check at the entrance. Some exhibits contain mature content (violence, nudity) – warnings are posted at gallery entrances. Backpacks and large bags must be left in the cloakroom.
On site:
Café on the ground floor
MG Bookstore (catalogues, art books)
Cloakroom
Parking: Designated space for visitors with disabilities. General street parking in the surrounding area.
Accessibility: Lifts to all floors. All galleries are wheelchair accessible.
From central Ljubljana (1.2 km, 15–20 minutes on foot):
– Walk from Prešeren Square northeast via Čopova / Miklošičeva
– Bus no. 5 – Ilirska stop
– Taxi / Bolt – €3–5
From the railway station (400 m, 5 minutes on foot):
– Exit the station and walk southeast along Masarykova / Maistrova
By car:
Address: Maistrova 3. Street parking in the neighbourhood.
Season: The museum operates year-round regardless of weather. In summer (July–August) it stays open until 20:00 on Thursdays.
Time of day: Morning (10:00–12:00) has the fewest visitors. Weekends are slightly busier.
Duration: 1–2 hours depending on your interest in contemporary art.
Avoid: Mondays – closed. Public holidays (1 January, 1 May, 1 November, 25 December) – closed.
Practical answers about visiting, routes and time on site.
€5 for an adult ticket. Combined ticket with Moderna galerija – €7.50. Free with the Ljubljana Card. First Sunday of every month – free for all.
Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00. Closed on Mondays. In summer, Thursdays until 20:00. Closed: 1 January, 1 May, 1 November, 25 December.
1–2 hours. Art enthusiasts should allow closer to 2 hours, including the café and bookstore.
No, tickets are sold on site. Guided tours require booking at least 5 working days ahead.
Some exhibitions contain mature content. Warnings are posted at gallery entrances. School-age children with an interest in art will find it engaging.
The museum is in the Metelkova museum quarter, adjacent to the autonomous Metelkova Mesto cultural centre. These are separate institutions: the museum is state-run, while Metelkova Mesto is an independent art space.
Yes, the ground floor has a café and the MG Bookstore with exhibition catalogues, art books, and souvenirs.
The autonomous Metelkova Mesto cultural centre (street art, clubs, galleries), the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum, and the National Museum of Slovenia – Metelkova. The Dragon Bridge is a 10-minute walk.
