Towards the end of 1701 the Ljubljana’s Academia Philharmonicorum was established and in 1794 succeeded by the Philharmonic Society. Both represented some of the first such associations in Europe and, in fact, names like Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms, Paganini and Mahler were intertwined with its history and activities. In 1947 the Slovenian Philharmonic (Slovenska filharmonija) with its world renowned Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra (Orkester slovenske filharmonije) succedeed the preceeding institutions. The Slovenian Philharmonic is, thus, one of the world’s oldest institutions of the kind, nested in an impressive building from 1891 which can also offer space for meetings industry.
LOCATION
The recently renovated building, located in Ljubljana’s Congress Square (Kongresni trg) represents the symbol of Slovenian musical history and pride. Moreover, the Congress Square was built in 1821 for the ceremonial purposes during the Congress of Holy Alliance that still to these days somewhat represents the first big MICE event in Slovenian history: it lasted for more than 3 months and gathered more than 600 participants from all over Europe, among them highest names like Austrian Foreign Minister Metternich, Austrian and Russian emperors, Italian princes, etc.
Therefore, the location of Slovenian Philharmonic binds together inspirational forces from the past in the aspects of culture as well as of the congress spirit that the meetings industry is still following today. Moreover, with its central location in Slovenian capital, the Slovenian Philharmonic adds to the value of the meeting. Set in the Old Town and just a few steps from the scenic Ljubljana river and its surroundings, the Slovenian Philharmonic’s building is a true symphonic experience – a composition for the full orchestra, where the parts of the orchestra are colourful and romantic houses stretching alongside monuments, benches, restaurants, eateries, central market, and endless lines of trees.
VENUE ADVANTAGES
Slovenian Philharmonic, although mostly intended for classical concerts, offers its historically-impressive and breathtaking ambiance for meetings and events as well. Conference or congress guest gets immediately pulled into the past and gets touched by the musical atmosphere pouring out of the venue’s every pore. No building in Slovenia offers such a stirring connection not just to the country’s but also to the world’s musical nobleness.
Two halls can be used for events and meetings. The Big Hall, called the Marjan Kozina Hall, has 471 seats among which 309 are in the parterre, while the other 162 are set on the balcony. On request, the parterre’s first row can be removed, while the other seats stay fixed. When wanting a flexible seating, the building offers the Small Hall/Slavko Osterc Hall, where 90 seats can be set, but if the banquet set-up is requested, the seats are removed and the hall holds a 150 standing person capacity. It is also possible to set a combination: the meeting can be set in the Big Hall, while the banquet in the Small Hall with its magnificent view over the Congress Square and Ursuline Monastery and Church is set.
CATERING
Own arrangement.
INCENTIVE ACTIVITIES
A fun visit to the nearby Museum of Illusions or a »scary« visit to the Slovenian School Museum where the Learning Lesson takes the visitor back to the Austro-Hungarian classroom.
