Staroljubljanski zavod za kulturo (Cultural Institute of Ljubljana’s Old Town)
HISTORY
The beginnings of the initiative that would later lead to the establishment of the Institute for the Revitalization of the Cultural Image of the Old Town (today known as the Staroljubljanski Institute for culture) date back to July 1, 1986. On that day, Ljubljana’s first pedestrian zone was officially opened at Old Square (“Pod Trančo”) and Levstik Square. Neatly arranged tables and chairs appeared in the streets, and in the evening, a barrel organ player marked the festive occasion, prompting local residents to toss coins from their windows. The celebration concluded with a short cultural program.
That same evening, the initiators and volunteers, together with distinguished residents of Ljubljana, began shaping ambitious plans for the future. The city’s first pedestrian zone revealed an array of opportunities for developing diverse cultural programs. Unique locations—courtyards, stairways, small squares, plazas, and churches—seemed to call out for cultural activity. As a result, the Institute for the Revitalization of the Cultural Image of the Old Town was formally established in 1988. In 2016, it was renamed to Staroljubljanski Institute for Culture.
Through the Institute’s work, supported by a growing awareness within city administrations and close cooperation with municipal services, where recognition of the need to revitalize Ljubljana’s historic center (“Old Ljubljana”) took hold, we have gradually succeeded in giving new value and identity to this area. Today, this transformation is presented with pride not only to visitors, but also to the citizens of Ljubljana and to distinguished international statesmen and delegations.
The Institute’s mission is rooted in a vision of culture that is not an end in itself, but a driving force in the renewal of the historic city center and the improvement of its environment while also serving as a meaningful platform for promotion and tourism.
Staroljubljanski zavod za kulturo
Dalmatinova ulica 10
1000 Ljubljana
Tel.: +386 01 241 66 00
E-mail: staroljubljanski.zavod@siol.net
