The Jakopič Pavilion (Slovene: Jakopičev paviljon) was an art galleryinLjubljana, the first purpose-built art exhibition venue in the territory of modern Slovenia. It was built in 1908 by the painter Rihard Jakopič upon the plans of the architect Max Fabiani.[1] The pavilion stood at the beginning of the Latterman AvenueinTivoli Park.[1] Until World War II, it was the central exhibition place of Slovene visual artists,[2] presenting exhibitions from the fields of painting, sculpture and photography.[3]
Jakopič financed the construction of the building at his own expense, because he was convinced that an artist needs a constant contact with the public.[2] Fabiani arranged plans for it gratuitously, and the city of Ljubljana leased him the estate at a symbolic price.[1] The pavilion was built in the Vienna Secession style. It had a foyer with the great hall, on the left side it had a room for permanent exhibitions and a small studio, and on the right side it housed a drawing and painting school.[1]
The building was solemnly opened on 12 June 1909 with the 3rd Slovene Art Exhibition, which presented 172 paintings and 20 statues of 22 artists.[4] The following year Jakopič organised a survey exhibition titled 80 Years of Visual Arts in the Slovene Lands.[3]
Due to the lack of money, the pavilion was bought in 1923 by the city, which gave it to the National Gallery of Slovenia. In 1954 the pavilion was renovated.[5]
In December 1961 and January 1962 the pavilion was, despite avid protests,[2] demolished due to the construction of the Ljubljana–Sežana railway line.[1] This left the Jakopič Pavilion without its headquarters. In 1962, the institution was renamed to Ljubljana City Art Museum and the construction of a new headquarters building started at 5 Town Square.[6]
The pavilion has been commemorated by a portrait statue of Rihard Jakopič, created by Bojan Kunaver.[7]
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