The National and University Library, known by its Slovenian acronym NUK, was designed by Jože Plečnik between 1936 and 1941 and is widely regarded as his masterpiece. It stands on Turjaška ulica, close to the university and the Old Town. The exterior mixes brick and stone blocks of different sizes and textures to suggest books on a shelf, with door handles shaped like books and a courtyard inspired by Renaissance architecture. Inside, a dark marble staircase leads to a reading room with large glass windows and wooden furniture, a space Plečnik called 'a journey from darkness to light'. The library holds more than 1.5 million items and is open to readers, and the stairway and reading room can be visited as part of a guided tour or by registering at the entrance. The building was part of the 2021 UNESCO listing of the works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana.
| Admission | Free to enter public areas; guided tours may carry a fee |
|---|---|
| Hours | Public areas generally open on weekdays; check nuk.uni-lj.si for current visiting hours |
| Address | Turjaška ulica 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia |
Why it matters
The NUK building is regarded as Jože Plečnik's masterpiece, combining brick, stone and a dramatic black marble staircase in the Slovenian National and University Library.
Location
Turjaška ulica 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
46.0485, 14.5047 View on map
Highlights
- Black marble staircase leading to the reading room
- Facade of brick and stone blocks evoking a bookshelf
- Part of the UNESCO-listed Plečnik works
- Holds more than 1.5 million items
- Book-shaped door handles and reading-room furniture
Tips for visiting
- Check the library website for visiting hours and guided tours.
- Bring ID if you wish to enter the reading room as a reader.
- Photograph the staircase from the lower landing.
- Combine with Križanke and the Roman wall on a Plečnik walk.
- Keep silent inside, as it is a working library.
When to visit
Weekday mornings when the reading room is quiet.
Accessibility
The main entrance has a lift and accessible routes to the reading room, though some staircases are historic.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the NUK building?
Jože Plečnik designed it between 1936 and 1941.
Can visitors enter the library?
The entrance hall and staircase may be visited, and readers can register for access; guided tours run on selected dates.
What is the building known for?
The black marble staircase and the reading room, which Plečnik conceived as a path from darkness to light.
Is entry free?
Visiting the public parts is generally free; guided tours may charge a fee.