National and University Library of Slovenia
Narodna in univerzitetna knjižnica (NUK)
A Plečnik masterpiece whose red brick and stone façade and black marble staircase are part of the World Heritage Site.
The National and University Library was designed by Jože Plečnik and completed in 1941. It is one of the core components of the World Heritage property 'Plečnik's Works in Ljubljana'. The façade alternates red brick with irregular stone, symbolizing knowledge growing out of chaos. Past the entrance, a dim colonnade of black marble stairs leads up to the bright main reading room, symbolizing a journey 'from darkness into light.' The foyer and staircase are free to visit. The reading room is usually limited to registered readers, though guided summer tours sometimes include it.
Opening hours
Mon–Fri approx. 08:00–20:00; shorter on Saturday
Nearby sights
- Križanke
- Congress Square
- Triple Bridge & Prešeren Square
- Ljubljana Castle
- Plečnik House
- Franciscan Church of the Annunciation
- Ljubljana Cathedral
- Nebotičnik