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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2012
WIZZ MAGAZINE
35
FAR LEFT:
THE BASKETBALL COURT IN
METELKOVA
LEFT:
BROWSE FORTUNA
ANTIQUES
ABOVE:
METELKOVA
COVER FEATURE
L JUBL JANA
THE CULTURAL QUARTER
The colourful graffiti of the lively and
laid-back Metelkova Mesto complex
(metelkovamesto.org/) to the north of
the Old Town reveals a more anarchic
side to Ljubljana. The site was formerly
a barracks for the Yugoslav National
Army. But following Slovenia’s
independence in 1991, it was occupied
by a coalition of creative artists,
progressive thinkers and campaigners,
and their spirit remains evident.
There are a number of clubs, bars and
galleries within Metelkova, but the first
thing most visitors will see is the stylish
Hostel Celica. Eighty artists, including the
British Antony Gormley, were involved in
creating the 20 uniquely designed rooms
of this budget hostel in the old cells of this
former military prison.
The hostel runs its own cultural
programme, and there are many other
events at Metelkova’s other venues.
Performers from Slovenia and across
Europe regularly playing gigs in just about
every genre you can imagine. Head to Gala
Hala for hip hop and punk, or Menza Pri
Koritu for avant-garde jazz. Wine served in
plastic cups sums up the ethos – it’s quality
produce in low-fi packaging.
“I THINK EVERY TOWN NEEDS AN
EXPERIMENTAL SPACE. WE CAN
OVERCOME THE CURRENT CRISIS
WITH MORE, NOT LESS, CULTURE”