Narodna in Univerzitetna Knjiznica (National and University Library), Ljubljana

Narodna in univerzitetna knjižnica (National and University Library) is Slovenia’s main academic library and one of the country’s most important cultural institutions. Completed in 1941, Plečnik’s design blends classical and modern elements, with a brick-and-stone façade and Roman remains incorporated into the building.

The library is widely regarded as Plečnik’s architectural masterpiece. Pegasus-shaped door handles and a dark staircase leading to the bright reading room symbolise inspiration and the path to knowledge. Book-shaped windows, custom furniture, columns, and bicycle-wheel chandeliers reflect Plečnik’s detailed design.

Although the reading rooms are mainly reserved for library users, visitors can admire the architecture and occasionally explore exhibitions featuring rare books, manuscripts, maps, and historical documents. A German aircraft crash in 1944 destroyed over 60,000 books and damaged the reading room, later restored under Plečnik’s supervision. The library now preserves millions of items, including works by France Prešeren.