DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

National and University Library

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°10
National and University Library (Slovenia)

Weather…

The National and University Library (NUK) in Ljubljana is considered one of the foremost masterpieces of the architect Jože Plečnik. Constructed between 1936 and 1941, the building stands on the site of the former Auersperg Palace, which was destroyed in the devastating 1895 earthquake. The facade is a meticulous combination of brick and irregularly shaped stones, giving the structure an archaic yet monumental presence. A central architectural feature is the grand black marble staircase, symbolically leading visitors from the 'darkness of ignorance' towards the 'light of knowledge' in the main reading room. The door handles are intricately decorated with small Pegasus heads, reflecting Plečnik's commitment to symbolic detail. Today, NUK serves as Slovenia's central national archive, preserving invaluable manuscripts and literary artifacts of Slovenian culture. The library's design is a prime example of the 'Plečnik style,' blending classical architectural elements with local traditions.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-104914182020151050
Rain mm607371739688839411810410985

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The National and University Library is generally open to visitors. Inside, you can explore the grand reading rooms and Plečnik’s distinctive architecture, though some areas are reserved for students.
🕒
Typical hours
The library typically opens on weekdays, with shorter weekend hours. It is best to check the official website for exact opening times before your visit.
📷
Photography
Photography inside is generally allowed without flash. In the reading rooms, please be considerate of students studying and avoid loud shutter sounds.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow about 30 to 45 minutes to see the publicly accessible areas. If you are interested in the changing exhibitions, you may spend up to an hour.
➕
Combine with
The library is located in central Ljubljana, near Congress Square and the Triple Bridge. A stroll to the Ljubljanica Bridge and the old town is a great addition.
🧭
Getting there
The library is a ten-minute walk from Prešeren Square. Bus line 1 stops at „Kongresni trg” station, which is very close by.
💡
Insider tip
Tip: The entrance is not immediately obvious - it is located at the rear of the building. Allow some extra time to find it.

Geography

Coordinates
46.04750, 14.50420

Facts

  • The building was constructed between 1936 and 1941 based on Jože Plečnik's designs.
  • It was built on the site of the Auersperg Palace, which was destroyed in 1895.
  • The iconic staircase is made of black marble sourced from the nearby Podpeč quarry.
  • The library's collection exceeds 2.6 million items, including rare manuscripts.
  • The entrance door handles feature the heads of Pegasus, the mythical winged horse.
  • The building was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2021.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Emona Roman RuinsEmona Roman Ruins<1 km · SWExplore →
Ljubljana ZooLjubljana Zoo3 km · WExplore →
Lek PharmaceuticalsLek Pharmaceuticals3 km · NExplore →
BTC City LjubljanaBTC City Ljubljana4 km · NEExplore →
Ljubljana MarshesLjubljana Marshes7 km · SExplore →
Šmarna goraŠmarna gora10 km · NWExplore →
Helios CoatingsHelios Coatings11 km · NEExplore →
MedvodeMedvode12 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town National and University Library (10)

Mestni muzej Ljubljana🏛 museum

Museum in Slovenia, city museum of Ljubljana covering the city's history.

🕒 Su,Tu-We 10:00-18:00; Th-Sa 10:00-21:00💶

Galerija Vžigalica

Gallery in Ljubljana, exhibition space for contemporary art.

🆓

Galerija 22

Gallery in Ljubljana, small art gallery with rotating exhibitions.

Villa ART

Gallery in Ljubljana, art villa hosting exhibitions and events.

Križevniška cerkev

Church in Ljubljana, former crusader church, now a concert hall.

Flea Market

Flea market in Ljubljana, market for antiques and second-hand goods.

Mini Theatre

Theatre in Ljubljana, small stage for contemporary plays.

Dessa Gallery🏛 museum

Museum in Ljubljana, gallery for modern and contemporary art.

Kulturnica

Slovenian Puppet Theatre for both young and adult audiences.

Galerija Equrna

Arts centre in Ljubljana, exhibition venue for visual arts.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the NUK Library?
The building is a masterpiece by the Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik.
Where is the library located?
In the center of Ljubljana, near Republic Square.
Can tourists enter the building?
Yes, the impressive main staircase and reading room can be visited.
What does the facade symbolize?
The mix of brick and stone blocks is meant to represent the diversity of knowledge.
Is photography allowed?
Limited. Usually yes in the staircase, but silence is mandatory in the reading room.
National and University Library: where is it located?
National and University Library is located in Slovenia.
National and University Library: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mestni muzej Ljubljana, Galerija Vžigalica, Galerija 22.
National and University Library: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
National and University Library: why is it worth visiting?
The National and University Library (NUK) in Ljubljana is considered one of the foremost masterpieces of the architect Jože Plečnik.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Slovenia →

Nearby cities

Novo Mesto — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Novo Mesto
Novo Mesto is the economic and cultural center of the Dolenjska region.
Velenje — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Velenje
Velenje is located in the Savinja Valley and is one of Slovenia's major industrial centers.
Trbovlje — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Trbovlje
Trbovlje is an industrial city in the Sava Valley known for its long mining tradition.
Kamnik — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Kamnik
Kamnik is a historic town at the foot of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.
Jesenice — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Jesenice
Jesenice is known as the city of steel and ice hockey.
Domžale — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Domžale
Domžale is located north of Ljubljana at the foothills of the Kamnik Alps.
Škofja Loka — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Škofja Loka
Škofja Loka is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Slovenia.
Škofja Loka Medieval Town — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Škofja Loka Medieval Town
Škofja Loka is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Slovenia and boasts a history of over a thousand years.
Logatec — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Logatec
Logatec is located on a strategic route between Ljubljana and the Adriatic coast.
Vrhnika — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Vrhnika
Vrhnika is located at the western edge of the Ljubljana Marshes and is best known as the birthplace of the writer Ivan Cankar.
Kočevje — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Kočevje
Kočevje is located in the heart of Slovenia's most extensive forest area.
Grosuplje — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Grosuplje
Grosuplje is located in the Lower Carniola region.
Ajdovščina — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Ajdovščina
Ajdovščina is located in the center of the Vipava Valley and is known for its strong Bora winds and Roman remains.
Litija — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Litija
Litija is located on the Sava river.
Idrija — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Idrija
Idrija is known for its former mercury mine, once the second largest in the world, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

History & landmarks

Ljubljana Town Hall — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Ljubljana Town Hall
The Town Hall on Town Square in Ljubljana is the seat of the city municipality.
BTC City Ljubljana — National and University Library (Slovenia)
BTC City Ljubljana
BTC City is one of the largest business, shopping, and entertainment centers in Europe.
Postojna Cave — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Postojna Cave
Postojna Cave is a breathtaking 24 km long system of karst passages and chambers, famously explored via a unique underground electric train.
Postojna — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Postojna
Postojna is a strategically important town in the Slovenian Karst region, globally famous as the gateway to one of Europe's largest and m…
Vipava Valley — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Vipava Valley
A fertile valley between the Karst and the mountains, known for the strong Burja wind and indigenous wines.
Škocjan Caves — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Škocjan Caves
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Europe's largest underground canyon and massive caverns.
Cerkno Hill — National and University Library (Slovenia)
Cerkno Hill
A versatile destination in the Goriška region, known for its modern ski center and the historical Franja Partisan Hospital.