Master Woodcarver Maks Bergant and Plečnik: The Charm of Wood
Master woodcarver Maks Bergant (1912–1996) continued a long-standing tradition in which masters passed their knowledge through mentorships onto their apprentices and assistants. Though he honed his craft in Kamnik under the guidance of woodcarver Ivan Klemen, it was his collaboration with architect Jože Plečnik that profoundly shaped his artistic journey and left a lasting mark on his legacy.
Following World War II, Bergant was introduced to Plečnik by Father Martin Perc, the parish administrator overseeing the restoration of the Church of St. Benedict in Stranje. This meeting proved pivotal for Bergant and encouraged him to refine his craft. Their collaboration advanced Bergant’s artistic skills and defined his later artistic path.
The exhibition, part of the Plečnik House series exploring the work and achievements of Plečnik’s collaborators, will introduce the public to a lesser-known aspect of Plečnik’s oeuvre. Numerous architectural plans and sketches by Plečnik, created for projects in collaboration with woodcarver Maks Bergant, will be on display for the first time. Their creative partnership is well-documented through personal correspondence, Plečnik’s and Bergant’s design sketches, and archival photographs from the post-war period. These materials have been preserved in the private collection of Bergant’s family and the MGML Plečnik Collection.
Location
Karunova 4–6
1000 Ljubljana
T +386 1 280 16 04 (reception)
T +386 1 241 25 06
E plecnik@mgml.si
Opening hours
Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00–18:00
Monday: Closed
1 January, 1 November, 25 December: Closed
24 and 31 December: 10:00–14:00
Tickets
Visits of the original Plečnik’s home are only possible with a guided tour that begins every full hour. In case the visitors on the guided tours come from different countries, each tour is conducted in two languages – Slovenian and English.
RECOMMENDED: you can buy your tickets online and book your date here.
For more information, please contact plecnik@mgml.si or +386 1 280 16 04.
Visiting the Plečnik House (price includes permanent exhibition Plečnik and a guided tour of Plečnik's home)
Adults: 9 €
Students: 7 €
Children: 7 €
Adults over the age of 60: 7 €
Families: 18 €
Unemployed visitors: 7 €
Visitors with disabilities: 7 €
Free admission for carers
ICOM, PRESS, SMD: free admission
Guided tours for private groups of more than 7 visitors need to be booked at least 5 working days in advance.
Visiting the Plečnik House with a prior reservation
Groups of up to 5 persons: 50 €, 40 € at reduced price
Groups of over 5 persons: 10 €/person, reduced 8 €/person
Visiting the permanent exhibition Plečnik
Adults: 6 €
Students: 4 €
Children: 4 €
Adults over the age of 60: 4 €
Families: 12 €
Unemployed visitors: 4 €
Visitors with disabilities: 4 €
Free admission for carers
ICOM, PRESS, SMD: free admission
News
The Plečnik House programme for 2025 will be marked by exhibitions exploring Plečnik’s oeuvre, focusing on the craftsmanship of his collaborators, and highlighting the impact of his work on contemporary art and architecture. We also plan to present a new publication, update our permanent exhibition, offer engaging guided tours, introduce family-focused programs, and host open house days. We invite you to spend 2025 with us!