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GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre celebrates 70 years

The renowned venue in Ljubljana celebrates landmark anniversary

Apr 15, 2024

ljubljana_exhibition_centre — Photo: GR - Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre

This year, one of the leading exhibition venues in Ljubljana is celebrating a commendable milestone. The GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre is celebrating its seventieth anniversary since its inauguration in 1954. The venue is the brainchild of the Slovenian economy and the Chamber of Commerce, which helped establish the esteemed venue.

International events year-round

Over seven decades, the GR has developed into a modern event centre in the heart of Ljubljana. Stretching 21,000 square metres of exhibition space and encompassing 23 multipurpose halls, the venue has welcomed beloved international music stars and numerous world-renowned exhibitions. Every year, some 250 events take place at GR, attended by over half a million people.

Speaking on the milestone celebrated by the venue this year, Iztok Bricl, the Director of GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre, outlined: “We estimate that we have hosted more than 35 million visitors in 70 years. Over 3,000 exhibitors exhibit here annually, over 20,000 visitors attend music concerts every year, and knowledge is shared at conferences and congresses year-round. Together with a dedicated, professionally trained and motivated team, we will continue to stay true to our slogan: Everything is possible, yes to everything!”

Where Louis Armstrong once performed

Among the venue’s most renowned guests was the legendary jazz king Louis Armstrong, who entertained the Slovenian audience in 1959. The venue will symbolically plant 70 trees in its quest to ramp up its sustainable initiatives to celebrate the 70th anniversary. Fairs remain the most important activity at the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre. This year has already seen the Alpe-Adria Tourism Fair as well as the Home Fair, attended by over 40,000 visitors.

The venue is a pioneer in many ways. It hosted the predecessor of the world’s oldest wine evaluation competition, which they coined Vino Ljubljana. It also hosted countless international congresses and symposia in science, technology, medicine and culture.

Learn more about GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre here.