Until the 1980s, Slovenia lacked a venue that could accommodate large-scale musical and stage performances or large-scale international congresses. With the support of the political leadership, the wish of the cultural workers began to come true in 1976, and Cankarjev dom, built according to the plans of architect Ed Ravnikar, began its mission in 1981 and symbolically and effectively became the national cultural and political hub. The paper sheds light on some of the steps and dilemmas in the creation and early operation of Cankarjev dom. The building was positioned within the Trg republike [The Republic Square] design concept and has a gross area of little more than 38,000 m2. Due to the high rate of inflation and scarcity of foreign currency, the construction and furnishing of Cankarjev dom were delayed. The activity of the institution was basically designed in two directions: as a cultural and congress-business activity. Although different, the two components work well together, complement each other, and provide favourable conditions for demanding users, including those from the sectors of science and economy as well as those related to culture.