63 Years of Events at the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre

GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre, Miro Majcen
GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre, Miro Majcen

Back in 1954, the Slovenian capital got a brand new convention centre, which today goes by the name of the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre. In June 2017, the company raised glasses to its 63rd anniversary, which of course means that there is a lot of history, experiences and some amazing stories. If only the walls could talk …. 

GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre was conceived by renowned Slovenian architects according to the plans of Branko Simčič, Milan Mihelič, and Ilija Arnautović, and was built from 1954 until the late 1960s. With this project they successfully created a magnificent and interesting monumental building wrapped by an extensive open area of a pleasant green environment with its own fountain. The Kupola Hall was built in 1958, the Jurček Pavillion in 1960 and the Marmorna Hall in 1961, with other premises being added until as late as 1987. With the exception of the Kocka Hall, all halls bear the stamp of modern functionalist architecture and are protected as architectural heritage.

The latest works to the GR complex was a full renovation between 2005 and 2009 and in 2012 the Pavillion Jurček was remodelled into a contemporary multi-purpose reception space with a day bistro that serves as the main entrance, reception desk for delegate registration and a press room. Under the pavilion and extending outside is a brasserie operated according to a concept of the Kaval Group catering chain. The original modern architectural ideas and execution of GR are still visible today and can be understood at first glance – the building emphasizes a tradition in a modern form and their 63 years of great heritage and cultural background is of unparalleled value in today’s role as the leading Slovenian convention centre.

The Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, which has been present on the international association meetings market for more than thirty years and can therefore be regarded as an established yet fresh destination, can welcome meetings for up to 2,200 delegates in its two largest congress venues, one of them being the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre. The compact layout and “walking city” dimension of Ljubljana, the European Green Capital 2016, is definitely one of its advantages, making it logistically a very easy destination to organise an event, not to mention a beautiful one with everything needed for a successful event too.

Source: Kongres Magazine