DESSA gallery is first Slovene architectural gallery, founded in 1987. In 2019 it celebrates 30 years of active work. Since then it presents and encourages high quality architecture, innovative design, socially oriented projects, responsible architects, creative designers, engaged investors and long-term visions. We strongly belive burning problems of our time can not be solved without architectural profession.

The private institution DESSA Architectural Center has the status of a non-governmental organization active in the public interest in the field of culture (Ministry of Culture) and spatial planning (Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning, since 2023 Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning).

ABOUT DESSA

DESSA gallery is a private architectural gallery which actively works in Slovene and international space. It has established international platform for profession exchange and for recognition of diverse architectural ideas. DESSA is active for the last 30 years which places it among three oldest European galleries. Many internationally recognized architects exhibited and lectured in DESSA gallery: Manuel Aires Mateus, Wiel Arets, Alberto Campo Baeza, David Chipperfield, Luis Carillho da Graça Joao, Kengo Kuma, Richard Leplastrier & Peter Stutchbury, Yvonne Farrell & Shelley McNamara, Juhani Pallasmaa, Carme Pigem, Roberto Pirzio Biroli, Boris Podrecca, Gio Ponti, RCR, Aldo Rossi, Savin Sever, Alvaro Siza, Eduardo Souto de Moura, Heinz Tesar, Gino Valle, Lebbeus Woods among others.

Architects Andrej Hrausky and Majda Cajnko, who have run the gallery for the 25 years, have helped DESSA and the contemporary Slovene architecture and architects to their international recognition. DESSA gallery was first and for many years the only institution from the East Europe that is a member of Advisory Council of Mies van der Rohe award.

In 2014, at 25th anniversary of DESSA gallery, Andrej Hrausky and Majda Cajnko published book DESSA GALLERY, 25 YEARS: STORY OF A VISION in which are presented 241 exhibitions in Slovenia, 91 exhibitions abroad, over 98 lectures abroad about Slovenian architecture and 42 architectural excursions, all organized by DESSA.

Andrej Hrausky and Majda Cajnko received 2014 Plecnik award for a lifetime work.

From 2014 DESSA is led by younger generation of Slovene architects.