National Museum of Slovenia Metelkova
Explore a diverse collection of artifacts, including a notable arms and armor exhibit, within Ljubljana's vibrant Metelkova Mesto cultural zone.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Free admission!
National Museum of Slovenia Metelkova
Best Time
Free admission!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a diverse collection of artifacts, including a notable arms and armor exhibit, within Ljubljana's vibrant Metelkova Mesto cultural zone.
"Interesting exhibits, especially the weapons, but the museum could use more English explanations and better heating."
🎯 Free Admission Day
Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free entry to the museum. :ticket:
⏱️ Quick Visit
Most visitors spend around 40 minutes to an hour exploring the exhibits. :stopwatch:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Military and Arms Collection
Second Floor
Explore a surprisingly robust collection of weapons and armor, from historical pieces to Cold War era items. A definite draw for history buffs.

Diverse Artifacts
Various Rooms
Discover a range of exhibits including furniture, paintings, ceramics, and toys, offering a glimpse into Slovenian history and culture.
Metelkova Mesto Street Art
Exterior of the Museum
While not part of the museum itself, the surrounding Metelkova Mesto is a canvas of vibrant, eclectic street art and sculptures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand Metelkova's Dual Nature
Museum Value and Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Metelkova?
🎯 Free Admission Day
Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free entry to the museum. :ticket:
⏱️ Quick Visit
Most visitors spend around 40 minutes to an hour exploring the exhibits. :stopwatch:
The one musst seen museum in Ljubljana / other recommendations / tl:dr: how to get known to Slovenia 🇸🇮
How different is Metelkova at weekends?
🧥 Dress Warmly
Exhibition rooms can be quite cold, so bring an extra layer. :cold_face:
🧐 Look for Weapons
The weapons and armor collection is a highlight, though sometimes less emphasized. :crossed_swords:
Is Metelkova safe during weekdays?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Day
Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free entry to the museum. :ticket:
⏱️ Quick Visit
Most visitors spend around 40 minutes to an hour exploring the exhibits. :stopwatch:
🧥 Dress Warmly
Exhibition rooms can be quite cold, so bring an extra layer. :cold_face:
🧐 Look for Weapons
The weapons and armor collection is a highlight, though sometimes less emphasized. :crossed_swords:
🚶 Explore Metelkova Mesto
Don't miss the surrounding street art and alternative culture of Metelkova Mesto. :spray_can:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the National Museum of Slovenia Metelkova to be a mixed bag. While the weapons and armor collection is often highlighted as interesting, many feel the museum lacks engaging storytelling, has limited English text, and can be quite cold. The free admission on the first Sunday of the month is a significant draw for budget-conscious visitors.
"I visited with ljubljana card but definitely not worth your time. This is one of the laziest musuems in terms of narrating a story and positioning of exhibits. Feels like those societ style musuems where they just display and pile everything together in a room with one list saying what the exhibits are. Weapons are interesting though"
Anthony Chan
"Nice museum with interesting exhibits. Not too big, we saw all the rooms in about 40 minutes. It's clean and well maintained. The entrance is free in the first Sunday of every month."
Cosmin Vacarescu
"The exhibits are good, but... The weapons and armor are without explanation and all amassed in a corner. I can't understand why, there are loads of BEAUTIFUL and interesting exemplars, like the air compressed guns and the cold war era material. Seems like a "yeah, we have to have a military corner, but let's not highlight it too much, Look! Shiny pottery!"."
Roberto Tomasini (MiniChem)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located within the Metelkova Mesto autonomous cultural zone, a short walk from Ljubljana's city center. You can easily reach it by foot from the main bus and train stations. Public buses also stop nearby.
Metelkova Mesto has a unique, alternative atmosphere. While some visitors have noted a 'sketchy' feel due to its non-European immigrant presence, it's generally considered safe during the day. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Ljubljana is a very walkable city, and Metelkova is easily accessible on foot. If you prefer public transport, local buses are a convenient option. Taxis are also readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard entrance fee is around 8 EUR. However, the museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month, making it a great budget-friendly option.
Yes, the museum is free on the first Sunday of each month. Check for potential student or group discounts, though these are not always widely advertised.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official museum website before your visit. Generally, it's open during typical daytime hours on weekdays and Saturdays.
Some reviews suggest the Ljubljana Card includes entry, but it's worth confirming this with the card provider or museum directly, as inclusions can change.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that 40 minutes to an hour is sufficient to see all the exhibits. The museum is not overly large, making it suitable for a shorter visit.
Some visitors have noted that there is limited text in English, and some objects are not marked at all, which can detract from the storytelling aspect of the exhibits.
The museum features a variety of items including furniture, paintings, ceramics, toys, and a notable collection of weapons and armor.
Information on accessibility is not widely available. It's recommended to contact the museum directly to inquire about ramps, elevators, and other facilities if needed.
Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to look for signage or ask museum staff before taking pictures to ensure you comply with their rules.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not typically have a cafe or restaurant. However, the surrounding Metelkova Mesto area and Ljubljana city center offer numerous dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants.
Generally, it's best to consume food and drinks outside of exhibition areas. Check for specific policies at the museum entrance.
📸 📸 Photography
While the interior exhibits might have restrictions, the exterior of the museum and the surrounding Metelkova Mesto are fantastic for photography, with vibrant street art and unique architecture.
Some visitors find the exhibits themselves less photogenic due to poor lighting or lack of clear display. The real photographic gems are often found in the surrounding alternative art zone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Atmosphere of Metelkova Mesto
When visiting the museum, be prepared for the distinctive environment of Metelkova Mesto. While the museum itself is a more conventional exhibition space, its location means you'll be immersed in a creative and unconventional setting. This can be a fascinating aspect of the visit, offering a broader cultural experience beyond the museum's walls. Some travelers have noted a presence of non-European immigrants in the area, which contributes to its diverse and sometimes unexpected feel.
Navigating the Museum's Collections
Beyond the military artifacts, the museum showcases other aspects of Slovenian life and history, including furniture, paintings, ceramics, and toys. Despite the potential for interesting displays, a recurring theme in reviews is the museum's perceived lack of narrative flow and insufficient English text. This can make it challenging for international visitors to fully appreciate the stories behind the objects, leading some to feel it's not worth the entrance fee.
Maximizing Your Visit: Tips and Value
However, it's important to manage expectations regarding the visitor experience. Several reviews mention that the exhibition rooms can be quite cold, so dressing in layers is highly recommended. The lack of detailed English explanations and sometimes poor lighting can also impact the overall enjoyment. If you're looking for a deeply immersive and informative museum experience, you might find it lacking, but for a glimpse into specific collections like the arms and armor, or if visiting on a free day, it can still be a worthwhile stop.
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