Ljubljana City Museum Extension + Renovation Project by Ofis Arhitekti

The project involves the renovation and extending of the Auersperg Palace, which is located in the heart of the protected historical city centre. The palace and the plot have a very rich history dating from the prehistoric period to Roman and medieval times. Each era added something to the building.

During the course of history the purpose of the palace changed several times, such that the existing organization of the floor plan was not suitable for hosting a museum programme. The spaces were labyrinthine and disconnected.

The competition entry suggested a spiral itinerary for the visitor through the exhibition spaces and proposed an added element to connect the wings of the palace. The first spiral. The walk starts underground at -3 m, where the ground level of Ljubljana was situated in prehistory.

Architect: OFIS arhitekti
Design Year: 1998-2000
Construction Year: 2000-2004
Project leaders: Rok Oman & Špela Videcnik
Design Team: Rok Oman, Špela Videcnik, Rok Gerbec, Josip Konstantinovic, Karla Murovec, Damjan Bradac

Client: Mestni muzej Ljubljana
Constructed Area: 2,650 sqm (existing building) / 790 sqm (extension)
Structural Engineering: ELEA IC d. o. o
Budget: 6,71M Euro (US $10,6M)
Photographs: Tomaz Gregoric