Photo. Self-proclaimed city of Metelkova Mesto, Ljubljana, Slovenia - a space for alternative culture and partying. © Travel Explorations.
Metelkova Mesto, called Avtonomni kulturni center Metelkova mesto in Slovenian, is an ex-army garrison that’s evolved into a popular spot for clubs and nightlife. Originating from a squatted military barracks, Metelkova has transformed into a self-declared autonomous cultural site. This transformation is a result of concerted efforts by a diverse collective of artists, intellectuals, and activists who began occupying the abandoned space in the early 1990s.
In the evenings people flock to Metelkova for drinking, smoking, listen to alternative music and socialize. The music, atmosphere, people are amazing. Admired the special art on the walls. The graffiti and artwork that cover the walls contribute to its unique aesthetic, marking it as a hub for the alternative and avant-garde. The architecture is adorned with murals, mosaics, and intricate installations that make it a living gallery of contemporary street art.
I really soaked up the atmosphere in Metelkova, both observed and also got involved in the way of life there. Metelkova is a place where you can really be yourself. The bohemian spirit is almost felt from the first step I took inside the place. The people there seemed to live a life away from the usual everyday life, the stress and pressure. They had their own feelings and personality without thinking too much of fitting into today’s society and its ideals. Walking around here and meeting people was like “friends I never had met before”. As we started the conversation I never knew which direction it would take. Always with great fun!
A person selling a kind of Vanilla wine, told me several stories about the life here. The barracks here were originally commissioned by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the late 19th century, and during its tumultuous history has been occupied by soldiers from Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany – before becoming a stronghold for the army of the authoritarian Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
Every year Metelkova Mesto hosts more than 1,500 alternative events in its illegally occupied buildings, catering to a wide spectrum of subcultures, from theatre performances and punk concerts to disability workshops and LGBT club nights. Here a wide range of activities have been held. There is always something going on. These include an art gallery, bars, artists studios, space for designers, offices of cultural organisations and concerts featuring different types of live music from Free Jazz, Rockabilly, Psychobilly, Punk rock, Heavy metal and Noise to Dub and Techno.
I experienced a vibrant nightlife, with numerous clubs and bars hosting a variety of events, concerts, and parties. My highlight was a punk rock concert that really turned me on. Both the band and audience were fantastic. The party culture was inclusive and diverse with a mixture of locals and tourists. As the Guardian wrote in an article: “Metelkova maintains a fine balancing act: this illegally occupied alternative capital of culture is autonomous but not anarchistic, liberal but not lawless.”
The spontaneous and organic vibe of Metelkova took partying to a new level. It's a place where the night brings together people from all walks of life to enjoy the freedom of expression and use of their creativity.
Stein Morten Lund, 4th November 2015
Additional information
Metelkova Mesto alternative culture centre on Ljubljana Tourism
For information about what`s on in Metelkova, see the website Metelkova Mesto.
The Guardian has an interesting article about Metelkova: How an abandoned barracks in Ljubljana became Europe’s most successful urban squat.
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