Following a comprehensive renovation, the National Hall (Narodni dom) in Novo Mesto has come back to life. The ceremonial opening of the renovated National Hall, held on 29 September, marks the return of one of the most important spaces for cultural and social life in the city centre.
The official opening was attended by the Mayor of the Municipality of Novo mesto, mag. Gregor Macedoni, and the Minister of Culture, Dr Ignacija Fridl Jarc, as well as the Minister of Education, Science and Youth, Dr Borut Rončević, honorary citizens of the Municipality of Novo mesto, and numerous representatives of the cultural, business and sporting sectors, alongside residents of Novo mesto. The evening was dedicated to the rich history of Narodni dom, its role in the development of the city’s cultural life, and to Leon Štukelj and the Sokol tradition, both of which have played an important role in the building’s history. The event, directed by Nejc Gazvoda, featured students from Novo mesto Grammar School, who brought Miran Jarc, Anton Podbevšek, Tatjana Remškar and Zdenka Zikova to life in a contemporary theatrical performance. The musical programme featured Gregor Strasbergar – Štras and Tomislav Jovanović – Tokac, who performed together with the young Novo mesto band Bossa Goga. A special tribute to Leon Štukelj and the Sokol tradition was also paid by a gymnast performing as guests arrived, as the renowned Novo mesto Olympian himself took his first steps in gymnastics at National Hall.
The National Hall, the first national hall in Slovenia, has been a place where people and ideas came together since it opened in 1875. It was also one of the key centres in the development of Slovenian national consciousness and identity. The building housed a reading room and library, and theatre activities flourished here. It was also associated with the protagonists of the Novo Mesto Spring, while for many years the National Hall served as a centre of the Sokol organisation, of which Leon Štukelj was a member.
The historical significance of the building is also reflected in the activities that will now take place in its renovated spaces. The National Hall is once again taking on the role of a venue for cultural and social interaction, and a permanent exhibition dedicated to Leon Štukelj will also be established here. The renovated spaces will be available to cultural associations, artists and a variety of events and activities that will enrich life in the city centre.
The Municipality of Novo Mesto also secured €2.85 million in co-financing for the comprehensive renovation, including €2,422,500 from the European Regional Development Fund and €427,500 from the national budget.
More about the renovation can be found here.
Open Days for the public
On Friday, 16 October, and Saturday, 17 October 2026, the National Hall will also open its doors to the wider public. Visitors will be able to explore the renovated spaces and join a guided tour introducing the history and significance of the National Hall, its renovation and the activities that will take place there in the future.
Due to the limited number of places, advance registration is required for the guided tour. Registration is open until and including 13 October 2026.
Registrations are open until and including 13 October 2026 via the link below.
You are warmly invited to visit the renovated National Hall and discover a place that has played an important role in the history of Novo Mesto and is now returning to the city’s cultural and social life.