The Sokoli Photo Collection (1863–1983)

Curator: Domen Kaučič


The Photo Collection Sokoli was acquired by the Museum of Contemporary History of Slovenia for permanent preservation from TVD Partizan Ljubljana - Narodni dom. The acquired material is a testimony of the action of the Ljubljana Sokoli from its foundation in 1863 to 1983.
The collection encompasses 3425 records, 3219 of which are photographs. The rest are postcards, manuscripts, stamps, invitations, event tickets, forms and posters. Its content is of an extreme value and an important photographic material through which we get to know the Sokoli movement, which not only had elements of physical education, but was also a national movement.


The photographic collection represents all the important events that make a movement of its likes possible: the membership photos from movements different time periods, the Sokoli events with emphasis on the first gymnastics world championship in 1922 in Ljubljana and the last great falcon rally in Ljubljana in 1933 - the competition for King Alexander's sword, the construction of various sports facilities, gym activities, social gatherings and photographs of all the important gymnasts of the time.

Ernest POGORELZ Studio, Members of the Southern Falcon in Ljubljana in 1865. Inv. No.: SO/ 6.
Ernest POGORELZ Studio, Members of the Southern Falcon in Ljubljana in 1865. Inv. No.: SO/ 6.
Unknown author, Ticket for the Falcons masquerade, which took place in Ljubljana on February 17, 1874. Inv. No.: SO/ 3316.
Unknown author, Ticket for the Falcons masquerade, which took place in Ljubljana on February 17, 1874. Inv. No.: SO/ 3316.
Ivan VAVPOTIČ, A stamp issued at III. the all-round meeting of Sokol in Ljubljana. Inscription on the stamp says »III. Slovenian All-Slovene Sokol Rally on 15th, 16th, 17th of August, 1914«. The rally should have taken place in 1913, on the 50th anniversary of its activity, but the authorities banned it, and it also did not take place in the following year of 1914 due to the outbreak of World War I. Inv. No.: SO/ 3294.
Ivan VAVPOTIČ, A stamp issued at III. the all-round meeting of Sokol in Ljubljana. Inscription on the stamp says »III. Slovenian All-Slovene Sokol Rally on 15th, 16th, 17th of August, 1914«. The rally should have taken place in 1913, on the 50th anniversary of its activity, but the authorities banned it, and it also did not take place in the following year of 1914 due to the outbreak of World War I. Inv. No.: SO/ 3294.
Medenjak Dragutin INKIOSTRI, Belgrade, Leaflet of the Sokol Event in 1922, when the first Yugoslav all-around Sokol rally and the seventh International Gymnastics Competition - World Championship took place. Inv. No.: SO/ 2807.
Medenjak Dragutin INKIOSTRI, Belgrade, Leaflet of the Sokol Event in 1922, when the first Yugoslav all-around Sokol rally and the seventh International Gymnastics Competition - World Championship took place. Inv. No.: SO/ 2807.
Unknown author, Yugoslav Sokol delegation in a row at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. From left Leon Štukelj, Edward Antosiewicz, Janez Porenta, Anton Malej, row guide Dr. Viktor Murnik, Stane Derganc, Joze (Josip) Primozic, Dragutin Ciotti and Boris Gregorka. Inv. No.: SO / 1.
Unknown author, Yugoslav Sokol delegation in a row at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. From left Leon Štukelj, Edward Antosiewicz, Janez Porenta, Anton Malej, row guide Dr. Viktor Murnik, Stane Derganc, Joze (Josip) Primozic, Dragutin Ciotti and Boris Gregorka. Inv. No.: SO / 1.
Vekoslav KOVAČ Exercises of the Sokoli members at the all-Slovene rally in Ljubljana in 1933. Inv. No.: SO / 901.
Vekoslav KOVAČ Exercises of the Sokoli members at the all-Slovene rally in Ljubljana in 1933. Inv. No.: SO / 901.
Unknown author, Miroslav Cerar won the highest trophy for his competitive results at the 1961 European Championships in Luxembourg. He won gold medals on horseback with handles, rings, paralell bars and all-rounder, and was third in the leap. Inv. No.: SO / 2423.
Unknown author, Miroslav Cerar won the highest trophy for his competitive results at the 1961 European Championships in Luxembourg. He won gold medals on horseback with handles, rings, paralell bars and all-rounder, and was third in the leap. Inv. No.: SO / 2423.