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A white historic building beside the Ljubljanica river under a blue sky in Ljubljana

Love Ljubljana

BIO 29 — Biennial of Design Ljubljana 2026 (Soft Fields)

BIO is Europe's oldest design biennial, founded in Ljubljana in 1963. The 29th edition, titled \"Soft Fields\" and curated by Martina Muzi, runs at the Museum of Architecture and Design (MAO) and explores how knowledge embedded in research and industrial environments can be opened and redistributed through design.

At a glance

Dates
November 19, 2026–April 4, 2027
Where
Museum of Architecture and Design (MAO), Fužine Castle
Price
Museum admission applies; check MAO for biennial-specific tickets and free-entry days.
Official link
bio.si

Last updated:

Congress Square (Kongresni trg) in Ljubljana with its grand facades and the castle hill behind
Photo: Rok Hodej · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

What to expect

  • The world's oldest design biennial, running since 1963.
  • BIO 29 theme "Soft Fields" curated by Martina Muzi (Design Academy Eindhoven).
  • Hosted at the Museum of Architecture and Design inside the Renaissance Fužine Castle.
  • A months-long programme of exhibitions, talks and design research, into spring 2027.

Planning tips

  • Fužine Castle sits east of the centre on the Ljubljanica — combine with a riverside walk.
  • Check MAO's site for opening events, guided tours and the public programme calendar.
  • Runs through winter into early April, so it pairs well with an off-season city break.

Build a day around it

Ljubljana events work best when the day stays walkable. Treat the event as one anchor block, then add one food stop and one calm river/Old Town loop — with buffer so nothing feels rushed.

  • If you have 2–3 hours: arrive early → event → short river walk to decompress.
  • If you’re making a full day: one Old Town loop + event + a calm dinner plan.
  • If the weather turns: keep walking minimal and use cafés/museums as your buffer.

Before you go

  • Confirm the details: check the official link for last-minute schedule or venue updates.
  • Arrive with buffer: 15–30 minutes early usually makes the whole experience calmer.
  • Have a weather plan: keep one indoor “warm stop” in mind in case the day turns.
A cobbled old-town lane on Stari trg in Ljubljana, lined with pastel townhouses and café terraces
Photo: Ljuba brank · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons