ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

National Museum of Slovenia cancels exhibition over forged artworks

exhibition · 2026-04-27

The National Museum of Slovenia in Ljubljana canceled its exhibition 'Travels' just before opening after experts deemed many works inauthentic. The show featured 160 pieces attributed to Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Kazimir Malevich, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, and J.M.W. Turner, all from the Boljkovac family collection. Art historian Brane Kovič stated the forgeries were obvious. Museum director Pavel Car resigned, citing naivety and a desire to protect the museum's reputation. Police have launched an investigation. The Boljkovac family has not commented; media links them to late Croatian politician Josip Boljkovac. Owner Niko Boljkovac, a former art dealer, allegedly acquired works at auction for very low prices over 50 years.

Key facts

  • Exhibition 'Travels' at National Museum of Slovenia canceled before opening
  • 160 works attributed to major artists were deemed forgeries by experts
  • Art historian Brane Kovič called the works 'evidently false'
  • Museum director Pavel Car resigned, admitting naivety
  • Police investigation is ongoing
  • Collection owned by Boljkovac family, linked to late Croatian politician Josip Boljkovac
  • Owner Niko Boljkovac is a former art dealer who bought works cheaply at auction
  • Museum removed all references to the exhibition from its website

Entities

Artists

  • Marc Chagall
  • Pablo Picasso
  • Kazimir Malevich
  • Vincent van Gogh
  • Henri Matisse
  • Joseph William Turner

Institutions

  • National Museum of Slovenia
  • Artribune
  • Journal des Arts

Locations

  • Ljubljana
  • Slovenia

Sources