Cover photo © Credits to: Wikimedia Commons / Zairon
Cover photo © Credits to: Wikimedia Commons / Zairon

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Metelkova in Ljubljana: united by alternative street art

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When traveling to a new country or a city, it almost always seems like we just can’t get enough of its beautiful historical sights, museum and impressive culinary delights. But often, the most memorable and most inspiring thing is when we discover a hidden gem or a unique urban spot in the city that we are visiting. This is, of course, also true for the green capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana, which offers plenty of fun and unique spots, where you can best get to know the culture and spirit of the country. I want to present to you one of Ljubljana’s most colorful spots, where alternative street art and music are uniting people from different backgrounds. I am talking about an autonomous cultural centre called AKC Metelkova. 

Picture © Credits to: iStock / UrosPoteko
Picture © Credits to: iStock / UrosPoteko

The place for everyone 

Shortly known as Metelkova, this art centre got its name after the street on which it is located. The year 1993 holds the key to its existence, as the building complex, which earlier served as housing for soldiers, was supposed to be demolished. A group of 200 volunteers protested at sight and managed to keep the barracks from being torn down and destroyed. Since then, the spot became a center for alternative culture and the home of art and design studios, bars, concerts and other events and activities. Metelkova is also known to be the site of tolerance for many minorities and communities, such as the LGBT community. One could also describe it as the place where people with different styles and backgrounds all hang out together and are united by art, music and dialogue, not caring what anyone looks like or where they come from. 

Picture © Credits to: Wikimedia Commons / Rok
Picture © Credits to: Wikimedia Commons / Rok

Graffiti art and alternative galleries 

If modern and alternative art sparks an interest in you, then Metelkova is the perfect place for you to visit, during your stay in Ljubljana. One of the best alternative art galleries in Ljubljana called Gallery Alkatraz or Galerija Alkartaz is located there, with exhibitions and presentations of different artists and their radical statements of today’s society. Art installations, colourful graffiti and street art are present at every corner, decorating the site, as well as telling stories and representing young artists. 

Picture © Credits to: Facebook / Galerija Alkatraz
Picture © Credits to: Facebook / Galerija Alkatraz

If you want to visit something completely different from the picturesque old town of Ljubljana, go and see this unique alternative art centre, where people are united by expressing themselves through art. During the day, Metelkova is great for observing street art, visiting galleries or having a meal and a cup of coffee. In the evening and night hours, the nightlife really becomes alive. You can have a drink or go partying at one of the bars or clubs, but I would recommend going with a few of your friends or acquaintances, mainly for safety reasons. Either way, if you are a person who appreciates alternative lifestyle, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

Metelkova
Metelkova
Metelkova ulica 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Galerija Alkatraz, Ljubljana
Galerija Alkatraz, Ljubljana
Masarykova cesta 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

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The author

Karmen Kovac

Karmen Kovac

I am Karmen and I come a green country in Central Europe, Slovenia. I enjoy travelling, getting to know new cultures and learning about myself and the world. On itinari, I will write about beautiful places, unique traditions and other exciting experiences of my home country.

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