Jakčev dom

About

Jakčev dom in Novo Mesto is a charming cultural venue dedicated to the life and work of painter Božidar Jakac, one of Slovenia’s most influential 20th‑century artists. The building itself, a refined bourgeois house near the old town, holds an interesting story: Jakac lived here during his formative years, and the space later became a memorial and exhibition centre celebrating his artistic legacy. It is one of the few places in Slovenia where visitors can follow an artist’s journey from childhood impressions to mature creative expression. Inside, the atmosphere is intimate and thoughtfully arranged. The permanent exhibition presents Jakac’s drawings, prints, and paintings, showing his evolution from lyrical landscapes to expressive portraits and powerful wartime sketches. His mastery of graphic techniques—especially woodcuts and etchings—is a highlight, revealing how he captured the spirit of Dolenjska with bold lines and subtle shading. Personal objects, photographs, and studio items add depth, allowing visitors to step into the daily world of an artist who shaped Slovenian modernism. The house also hosts temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary creators, keeping the space lively and connected to today’s artistic scene. Jakčev dom is both a tribute and a living cultural hub, offering a quiet yet inspiring encounter with one of Slovenia’s great visual storytellers.

Novo Mesto Slovenia

Location

Jakčev dom is located in the center of Novo Mesto, the cultural capital of Slovenia’s Dolenjska region. You’ll find it on the edge of the old town, just a short walk from the main square. The gallery is named after Božidar Jakac, one of Slovenia’s most important 20th-century painters and graphic artists who had strong ties to Novo Mesto. Housed in a beautifully renovated historic townhouse, Jakčev dom functions as an art gallery and memorial space, displaying Jakac’s graphic works, paintings, and personal items, along with rotating exhibitions of contemporary Slovenian art. Right outside the gallery, Novo Mesto’s old town invites exploration. Glavni trg, the main square, is only minutes away and lined with cafes, shops, and colorful historic buildings. From there it’s a short walk up to Kapitelj Hill to visit the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, known for its Gothic structure, baroque additions, and the Tintoretto altarpiece. The hill offers lovely views over the Krka River, which curves around the town center. Down by the river, the Kandija Bridge and riverside paths make for scenic strolls. Nearby you can also visit the Dolenjska Museum, the region’s main museum of archaeology, history, and ethnology, and the Franciscan Monastery with its baroque church and library.