Cukrarna: Ljubljana's Sugar Refinery Transformed into Contemporary Art Center
In Ljubljana, Slovenia, a six-story building that once served as a sugar refinery has been repurposed into Cukrarna, a modern art center. The structure, which boasts 318 windows, retains its original facade while incorporating a steel framework that accommodates four exhibition areas and a basement auditorium. Covering over 5,500 square meters, Cukrarna is affiliated with the Museum and Galleries of Ljubljana and hosts events such as the INDIGO festival. Constructed in 1828, it was the first refinery in the Habsburg monarchy. Following a fire in 1858, the building had multiple uses until the city purchased it in 2008. After renovations from 2018 to 2021, the center opened with "The Wonderfulness of Memory," showcasing works from 15 contemporary artists that delve into themes of memory and lost narratives.
Key facts
- Cukrarna is a former six-story sugar refinery turned contemporary art center in Ljubljana.
- The building's facade has 318 windows; external form preserved with internal steel structure.
- Four exhibition spaces and a basement with six-meter ceilings for an auditorium.
- Over 5,500 square meters; part of the Museum and Galleries of Ljubljana.
- Hosts exhibitions, performances, music events; INDIGO festival recently concluded.
- Originally built in 1828; first sugar refinery in the Habsburg monarchy by mid-19th century.
- Closed after an 1858 fire; later housed tobacco factory, textile factory, soldiers, workers, and residents.
- Housed Slovenian modernist poets Dragotin Kette, Josip Murn, Ivan Cankar, Oton Župančič.
- Acquired by city of Ljubljana in 2008; renovated 2018-2021 by Scapelab with EU funds.
- Inaugural exhibition 'The Wonderfulness of Memory' curated by Alenka Gregorič.
- Exhibition features 15 artists: Adrian Paci, Rosa Barba, Sophie Calle, Ernesto Neto, Janet Cardiff, Jimmie Durham, Vadim Fiškin, Teresa Margolles, Lia Perjovschi, Marjetica Potrč, Tobias Putrih, Miha Štrukelj, Aleksandra Vajd & Anetta Mona Chisa, Samson Young.
- Exhibition explores memory as collective and individual experience.
- Title from a letter by Dragotin Kette to Ivan Cankar about artists' struggles.
- Collaboration with Italian Cultural Institute of Ljubljana and European galleries.
Entities
Artists
- Adrian Paci
- Rosa Barba
- Sophie Calle
- Ernesto Neto
- Janet Cardiff
- Jimmie Durham
- Vadim Fiškin
- Teresa Margolles
- Lia Perjovschi
- Marjetica Potrč
- Tobias Putrih
- Miha Štrukelj
- Aleksandra Vajd
- Anetta Mona Chisa
- Samson Young
- Dragotin Kette
- Josip Murn
- Ivan Cankar
- Oton Župančič
- Alenka Gregorič
Institutions
- Cukrarna
- Museum and Galleries of Ljubljana
- Italian Cultural Institute of Ljubljana
- Scapelab
- Artribune
Locations
- Ljubljana
- Slovenia
- Ljubljanica River