Slovenia’s most important architectural work by Jože Plečnik
NUK stands as a beacon of knowledge, offering a wealth of resources, from timeless literary treasures to cutting-edge research materials. Nestled in the heart of Slovenia’s capital city, the library serves as a vibrant hub for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, fostering a spirit of exploration and discovery.
The National and University Library archives contain, among other things, a rich collection of medieval manuscripts, incunabula and Renaissance prints. It was built between 1936 and 1941 to designs by Jože Plečnik. It is considered to be the architect’s most important work in Slovenia.
The building
It stands on the site of the former Ducal Court (Knežji dvorec), a 17th-century Baroque palace destroyed in the earthquake of 1895. The building’s exterior reflects Italian influences. Its characteristic façade, combining bricks and stone blocks in variable finishes, was modelled on Zuccari Palace (Palazzo Zuccari) in Rome.
Plečnik is renowned for his architectural contributions in Ljubljana, and his work on NUK is particularly celebrated.
Symbols of knowledge and intellectual growth
The Plečnik Handles on the National and University Library (NUK) are one of the notable features of his design for the building. They are characterized by their simple yet elegant forms, often featuring geometric shapes and clean lines.
Plečnik’s attention to detail is evident in these handles. They serve as functional components of the building while also adding aesthetic value.
The Pegasus heads handles on the magnificent library’s entrance contribute to the overall narrative of NUK as a place dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual growth.
Pegasus, the winged horse from Greek mythology, is commonly associated with inspiration, wisdom, and the pursuit of knowledge.
That is a nice article on National and University Library of Ljubljana (NUK) which I was able to visit on a tour