Ljubljana is full of surprises, and beyond its picturesque old town and lively riverside, you’ll find a handful of unusual museums that deserve a visit—especially if you like places with character, history, and a bit of quirkiness. Here are four museums that I find particularly intriguing.
The Railway Museum: A Hidden Treasure for Train Enthusiasts
Tucked away from the city center, the Railway Museum is a place I have a personal soft spot for. It houses about fifteen century-old steam locomotives, immense iron beasts that fill the exhibition hall with their imposing presence. If you have even a slight fascination with trains, you’ll be drawn in immediately. But I have to be honest—this museum may not be for everyone. It’s not polished or interactive, and yet, that’s exactly what I love about it.
One of the best things about this museum is that you can climb up into the driver’s cabin of some locomotives. Standing at the controls, looking through the small windows, it’s easy to imagine yourself transported back in time, commanding a steam train across the landscapes of a bygone era.
Outside, additional locomotives are displayed, surrounded by abandoned warehouses that give the entire area a surreal, post-industrial atmosphere. With the right light—especially after snowfall or under a golden sunset—the scene feels like an old railway station in a remote Siberian town. Photographers and Instagrammers will love it.
In another section of the museum, you’ll find historical railway signals, switches, and control panels from the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the former Yugoslavia. There’s also a preserved wooden passenger wagon where you can sit on its original, rather spartan benches and imagine long train journeys of the past.
Why I love it: The Railway Museum has not been modernized or commercialized. It feels almost forgotten, which somehow makes it the perfect setting for these massive, black-and-red steam giants.
Practical information:
- Location: Parmova 35
- Admission: €8 (adults), €4 (children and students)
The Museum of Modern Art: A Quick Cultural Stop
The Museum of Modern Art is housed in a simple, rectangular hall. On the left side, you’ll find the permanent collection; on the right, a rotating temporary exhibition. None of the artworks here have particularly left a lasting impression on me, but it’s still a pleasant place to spend an hour—especially if the temporary exhibition happens to be good.
Visiting tip: The museum is small and can be seen in less than an hour, making it a good cultural stop without requiring a long time commitment.
A Café Break
If you visit during the warmer months, you’ll find a lively outdoor terrace café right in front of the museum, where locals and visitors alike sip iced coffee. It’s a great spot to relax. There’s also a second, more hidden café inside the museum itself: after entering, turn left and go downstairs.
Bonus tip: Entry is free on the first Sunday of every month.
Practical information:
- Location: Tomšičeva 14
- Website: www.mg-lj.si
The Plečnik House: A Must-See for Architecture Lovers
Jože Plečnik is the architect who gave Ljubljana its unique charm. If you love architecture, you’ll soon start recognizing his work all over the city—from bridges to market halls, embankments, libraries, and even cemeteries. His influence is everywhere, making Ljubljana one of the most distinctive capitals in Europe.
The Plečnik House is where he lived and worked, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into his creative process. You’ll see his sketches, tools, and personal belongings, as well as the minimalist yet functional way he arranged his home. Visiting this museum will give you a deeper appreciation for his work and help you identify his signature elements as you explore the city.
Practical information:
- Location : Trnovo district
- Website: https://mgml.si/en/plecnik-house/
Cukrarna: A Contemporary Art Space in an Unexpected Setting
The Cukrarna is Ljubljana’s newest contemporary art space, housed in a stunningly renovated 19th-century sugar refinery. The transformation of this industrial ruin into a sleek, modern gallery is impressive in itself. Inside, you’ll find cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions featuring both Slovenian and international artists.
Unlike the more traditional modern art museum, Cukrarna feels fresh and dynamic, with vast open spaces and a focus on experimental and conceptual works. Whether or not you’re deeply into contemporary art, the architecture alone is worth seeing.
Practical information:
- Location : Next to the river Ljubljanica
- Website : https://cukrarna.art/en/
The International Centre of Graphic Arts (MGLC): A Hidden Gem for Art Lovers
Nestled within Tivoli Park, the International Centre of Graphic Arts (MGLC) is a must-visit for those interested in printmaking and graphic design. The museum is located in a charming 17th-century mansion, which adds to its unique character. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of prints, showcasing both Slovenian and international artists.
What makes MGLC stand out is its dedication to contemporary printmaking. It regularly hosts workshops, exhibitions, and even an international biennial dedicated to graphic arts. If you enjoy discovering lesser-known art forms, this museum will offer something fresh and inspiring.
Beyond the exhibitions, the location itself is worth the visit. Surrounded by the greenery of Tivoli Park, it makes for a peaceful and scenic detour from the bustling city center. The museum also has a cozy café where you can relax after your visit.
Practical information:
- Location: Tivoli Park
- Website: https://www.mglc-lj.si/
If you’re a traveler who enjoys discovering the more unusual, less touristy sides of a city, these museums will add an extra layer to your Ljubljana experience. They may not all be flashy or famous, but each has a unique story to tell—whether it’s through massive steam locomotives, intriguing contemporary art, or the mind of the architect who shaped the city itself.