The 100 times larger Carniolan honeybee was created to celebrate Slovenia's EU Council Presidency and was also a hit at the Slovenian pavilion at the Expo in Dubai, where it was seen by almost a million people.

From the Dubai exhibition, the giant model has travelled to Cankarjev dom, where it will be on display in the Grand Reception Hall until 20 April. This is its first presentation in Slovenia.

The model is made in the ratio 1 : 100 and measures 170 cm in length. The model combines moving parts of a bee's body and nine animations in Slovenian and English.

The model is 3D-printed and has more than 90% morphological similarity to a real worker bee. The model is based on a real Carniolan honeybee, accurately imaged down to the micron using a Micro CT scanner.

Bees are the pollinators of most plants and an important part of the natural balance and existence of life on Earth. "They have been coexisting with culture on the roof of Cankarjev dom for 11 years, making us one of the first urban beekeepers in Slovenia. Our honey is of high quality and is certified as Slovenian honey with a protected geographical indication," emphasised Cankarjev dom.