Celica ('The Cell') Hostel is situated in the centre of Ljubljana within the former military complex of Metelkova, which was developed during the 1990s into the Metelkova mesto Autonomous Cultural Zone alternative culture territory with its numerous venues and cultural spaces. The former military prison was turned into a hostel with 20 rooms that were renovated by more than 80 Slovene and foreign artists (among them Anthony Gormley and Giovanni Morbin) who were invited by the Sestava Society. The hostel was opened in July 2003 and is now run by Šouhostel Institute, a non-profit organisation established by the Student Organisation of the University of Ljubljana (ŠOU Ljubljana) to promote the development of youth tourism.
The hostel itself is a venue for various cultural events: a jam session by Slovene and foreign musicians takes place every Tuesday, and a literary event or concert on Friday. Concerts are organised in the hostel summer or winter gardens. Celica Hostel's Srečišče Gallery [Meeting Point], a small gallery space hosts art exhibitions featuring work by both established and emerging artists. Snacks and lunches are available for guests as well as the public.