Museums and galleries Banská Bystrica

Do you have an artistic spirit and want to develop it in a place where you will meet like-minded people? Then drop by the premises of the Literárne a hudobné múzeum. You will draw inspiration there, perhaps you will be "struck by the muse," and you will enjoy a pleasant time in the company of both each other and its stunning exhibits.

The Literárne a hudobné múzeum is located on Lazovná ulica in the regional city of Banská Bystrica. This metropolis of central Slovakia offers a number of interesting attractions in its selection. If you choose precisely the Literárne a hudobné múzeum, you will learn information regarding the art of the Banská Bystrica region within it. All you need to do is just park your car in front of its gates and let yourself be carried away by the indescribable atmosphere.

The museum was established in 1969 on the site where our well-known Slovak author Ján Botto lived, worked, and operated. During the existence of this museum, the literary club LITERA 2 formed around it. Currently, you can admire the exhibits in one of its 5 exhibitions. At your choice is the Múzeum – domov múz, Bábkarský salón, Ľudové hudobné nástroje na Slovensku, Pamätný dom J. G. Tajovského in Tajov, as well as the Pamätná izba Pavla Tonkoviča in Podkonice. The first two mentioned are also suitable for immobile visitors.

In the part designated as domov múz, there are three separate units, namely the music, literary, and theater salons. In their parts, you will look into the past and remind yourself of individual prominent personalities who operated in Banská Bystrica and this region. Interactive panels or video screenings will draw you even more into the action. In the Bábkarský salón, you will get even closer to the art of puppet tradition, which is connected with the Stražan and Anderle families. Have you ever tried to guide a puppet or dramatize a fairy tale using your voice? In the exhibition of Ľudové hudobné nástroje, the basis is folk instrumental musical instruments, of which there are more than 250 pieces here. There are more than 200 different types of instruments in this collection. Did you know that whip-stocks, whips, or bells used to be popular musical instruments of that era as well?

We recommend that you do not miss the Pamätný dom J. G. Tajovského in Tajov either. It is an authentic exhibition located in the house where he lived. You will also find personal belongings of his wife Hana Gregorová here. Part of the collection is also reserved for the native Jozef Murgaš. He was a prominent inventor, painter, and priest. Let yourself be drawn into the metallurgical history of the village, traditional folk clothing, and crafts that the local inhabitants engaged in. The last-mentioned part of the museum is the Pamätná izba Pavla Tonkoviča in Podkonice, which is dedicated to the most prominent native, folklorist, conductor, pedagogue, and composer Pavol Tonkovič, the co-founder and first artistic director of the Slovenský ľudový umelecký kolektív.

We believe that, enriched with new knowledge, you will not want to set off for your homes. You can also comfortably visit other attractions in Banská Bystrica. Do not miss swimming in Aqualand, Plážové kúpalisko Banská Bystrica. Or will you rather choose the historic area of Partizánska republika Kalište as your destination? If precisely this activity appeals to you, do not hesitate and also include a visit to the observatory in Banská Bystrica on your list. It is a place where every single star in the sky will shine before your eyes. You can also conclude your trip at the Mestský hrad in Banská Bystrica.

Not much can be managed in a single day, and so we recommend booking quality accommodation near the Literárne a hudobné múzeum in Banská Bystrica. Feel free to choose from the selection of apartments in Banská Bystrica, or also focus on affordable private accommodation. We will gladly help you with the choice of accommodation.

History should be viewed in a way that allows us to correctly understand it in terms of its outcomes and impacts on the present. It is essential even today to remember the societal period between 1918 and 1945. Múzeum Slovenského národného povstania in Banská Bystrica is specifically focused on documenting anti-fascist national liberation struggles. Visit its premises and transport yourself back to the past first-hand.

The museum is accessible to all age groups. Therefore, whether you are a family with children or arriving as a school field trip, you will learn plenty of interesting information here. The origin of the museum dates back to 1955. It was established as a nationwide museum and scientific institute. In addition to its professional and methodical activities, this institution also performs advisory and coordination functions throughout Slovakia. There are more than 66 thousand museum collection items and 136 thousand archival items available here. The most extensive collection (in terms of content, theme, and materials) is dedicated to the period between 1918 and 1948.

Enjoy an extraordinary experience by walking through one of the exhibitions. You can choose the permanent exhibition titled Slovensko v protifašistickom hnutí odporu Európy v rokoch 1939 až 1945, or Pamätník Nemecká and Lietadlo Li-2. Hidden underground is Skanzen ťažkej bojovej techniky. The museum itself has been housed since 1969 in the architecturally interesting building of Pamätník SNP. This building is one of the dominant landmarks of the city of Banská Bystrica. It symbolizes the history of our nation, consisting of two reinforced concrete sculptures connected by a bridge that expresses the idea of the SNP.

Part of the museum is also a specialized library. You can enrich your knowledge in this place as well. Do not forget that admission is free every first Sunday of the month. Our guides can present engagingly and factually presented information to you. You will be captivated by many vehicles, howitzers, or combat equipment used during the uprising. Check the opening hours, plan your visit to the museum, and let yourself be drawn into the story here. It will be best for you to book accommodation near Múzeum SNP v Banskej Bystrici.

Banská Bystrica District is a popular district, not only for its central location in Slovakia. Many attractions in this city are worth seeing. It is great to book accommodation in Banská Bystrica and enjoy fine days. A day in the water is excellent at the popular Aqualand – plážové kúpalisko. In case you are here on a school trip and have accommodation booked in a hostel in Banská Bystrica, you can also set aside time for Bábkové divadlo na rázcestí. Or will you choose Hvezdáreň or Mestský hrad as your destination? The decision is up to you, and our accommodation offer is diverse.

Named directly after the Transylvanian prince, Gabriel Bethlen, is a house in Banská Bystrica. This building houses an administrative headquarters, exhibition spaces, and a depository from the collection of the Stredoslovenská galéria. Come to the center of the city of Banská Bystrica, to the burgher house on Dolná ulica, and enjoy the atmosphere it offers as a contemporary part of the Stredoslovenská galéria.

Bethlenov dom is a place where all residents of Banská Bystrica contemplate. This is because exhibitions from their local collection as well as borrowed works from other galleries take place here. The spaces are thus regularly filled and enrich the souls of all visitors. A unique feature of the gallery is artistic printmaking, the art of graphics from the second half of the 20th century. This collection is complete. The Stredoslovenská galéria, of which Bethlenov dom is also a part, focuses mainly on the presentation, research, and creation of a collection of modern and contemporary art.

Bethlenov dom consists of an entrance room and an exhibition space on the ground floor. On the upper floor, the exhibition spaces are vaulted with historical arches. A specific genius loci can thus be felt here. In the basement, groups dedicated to fine art will find something for themselves, where they can create art themselves and express themselves creatively. In the rear part of the gallery, in the library, you will find knowledge hidden in books that have been gathered here over decades.

The history of the gallery dates back to the 14th century, when a multi-story house was added to the originally tower-like burgher structure. At the entrance, a Latin inscription Benedicto domini divites facit 1610 is preserved, which in free translation means: The blessing of the Lord makes you rich. A tradition is linked to the house that Gabriel Bethlen had himself crowned as the King of Hungary here. Unfortunately, due to the unsuccessful anti-Habsburg uprising, he had to give up the crown.

On the last Sunday of the month, admission to the gallery is free. Therefore, if you plan your trip as early as Friday and book accommodation near Bethlenov dom for at least two nights, you will experience all the works of art firsthand. However, if you would also like to explore other buildings of the Stredoslovenská galéria with multiple exhibitions, feel free to head to Pretórium or Vila Dominika Skuteckého.

Banská Bystrica as such offers all its residents and visitors various options for spending time. You just need to choose the right apartment in Banská Bystrica or a room in a Banská Bystrica hotel. You will have everything close at hand and will also enjoy other interesting places and monuments of the city. Popular choices for families include the banskobystrická hvezdáreň, and during the summer, Aqualand – plážové kúpalisko. Choose the attractions in Banská Bystrica yourself; we will gladly help you with the choice of accommodation. You can find the best accommodation on our portal.

In the town of Banská Bystrica, you will find the unique Stredoslovenskú galériu, which focuses on the presentation, collection, and research of modern and contemporary art. Its exhibitions are housed in as many as three historical buildings in the center of Banskej Bystrice. Do not miss the opportunity to take a peek into artistic circles and thus broaden your horizons when visiting this beautiful town in central Slovakia.

In addition to collecting activities, the regional gallery also focuses on educational and curatorial projects intended for the general public. It enriches its projects and exhibitions with a accompanying program of various artistic directions such as dance, music, film, or contemporary literature. Therefore, almost all your senses will be engaged when visiting the gallery.

You can view short-term exhibitions in the building of the former town hall, also known as Pretórium or in the Bethlenovom dome. One permanent exhibition is located in the family villa of the artist and painter Dominika Skuteckého. Along with his painterly work, you can also view the garden of the family residence. The work of this regional artist excels in mastery of techniques and qualities characteristic of traditional Italian painting. He acquired these skills during his long-term work in Viedni and Benátkach.

Pretórium was once part of the municipal castle area, which was built at the beginning of the 16th century. Today, it represents an experimental space for the presentation of domestic and foreign visual art. In 5 modern exhibition halls spread across 3 floors, you will view various forms of exhibitions, vernissages, and curatorial tours.

Bethlenov dom, which is a typical burgher building from the end of the 14th century, is a venue for exhibitions of works originating not only from the gallery's collections but also borrowed works from renowned collection funds and studios. Special exhibitions are held mainly in the autumn period.

All three places, Pretórium, Bethelnov dom, and Vila Dominka Skuteckého, are open to the public every day except Monday. In addition to exhibitions and collections, the gallery also engages in pedagogical activities in the form of lectures for schools or the public, animation programs, creative workshops, or specially focused long-term educational projects. In the collections of the Stredoslovenskej galérie, you will find more than 13,000 items in the fields of graphics, drawing, painting, and sculpture.

Stredoslovenská galéria boasts a history of more than 60 years and after its founding in 1956, it bore several names such as Krajská or Štátna galéria v Banskej Bystrici. Do not hesitate and visit this unique art center, through which thousands of the most interesting works have passed. In addition, Banská Bystrica is also rich in other experiences. Are you enchanted by art? Visit the Národný dom v Banskej Bystrici and one of the most significant artistic ensembles, Štátnu operu. The most famous works of Slovak and foreign authors will be performed by soloists, the choir, the orchestra, or the ballet company. Do you desire to experience something new? Let yourself be lured into observing the starry sky at the Hvezdárni v Banskej Bystrici and gain new knowledge from related sciences.

If you have decided that Banská Bystrica must not be missing from your holiday or travel list, we have a few accommodation tips for you in the vicinity of the Stredoslovenskej galérie. Choose from our offer of apartments, cottages, or log cabins in the surroundings and book a place for your relaxation. Whether you decide to explore Banská Bystrica with family or friends, we believe you will fully enjoy your time together.

Do you love laughing and know how to poke fun at yourself? Then you should definitely visit the unique Múzeum gýča , located in the beautiful mining town of Kremnica. This museum is the only museum of its kind in the entire European Union. Here you will find up to 1,248 exhibits that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Come and have a good laugh, and if you bring something you consider a true piece of kitsch, your admission is free!

The first idea to present and point out the kitsch around us originated in 1973 in the minds of seniors, retirees who wanted to entertain all people of good will and remind them of times when it was not possible to make fun of just anything. Its founder is Roman Vykysalý, who dealt with the idea of highlighting kitsch as a mirror of human (bad) taste already during his high school studies. The original idea, the first attempt, was successfully realized in 1982 at the second edition of the humor and satire festival Slovenské gagy. Since 2004, this humorous exhibition has become an annual part of the festival Kremnické gagy. The official activity of the civic association Občianske združenie Múzeum gýča began in 2006.

You will guaranteed leave this museum in a good mood and with the awareness that life is beautiful if we can make it pleasant and live it with a cheerful and open mind. In places, you will feel like you are in your grandmother's living room. You will be captivated by various ceramic figurines, strange paintings, or other bizarre "trinkets." The exhibition is divided into several sections. Your mind will boggle for a moment at the section of clocks, hunting items, textiles, or in the popular section of garden gnomes. If you like one of the displayed exhibits and tell yourself "I must have this at home," you have a unique opportunity to purchase such an exclusive piece. In addition, during the tour, you can take photos with the exhibits, and the braver ones can even touch them. Museum tours are accompanied by humorous commentary, even in foreign languages. A popular event is held here every year, where the "kitsch of the year" is announced. Do not forget to book your visit in advance by phone. You can enjoy this exceptional and unrepeatable cultural experience all year round, every day except Sunday.

Kremnica is full of interesting attractions. After this extraordinary experience, visit the Mincovňa mint, which has been continuously minting coins and medals for almost 7 centuries. Do not miss out on the amusing Ulička slávnych nosov alley, where originally the rear part of the body was supposed to be imprinted instead of noses. And if you like walks in nature, take a trip to the mining museum Banské múzeum Štôlňa Andrej, where with helmets on your heads and lamps in hand, you will walk through an approximately 60 m long section beneath the earth's surface. Stay in Kremnica longer and discover other interesting places that the surroundings offer. You can find accommodation near Múzeum gýča on our page accommodation Kremnica. If you decide to spend your winter holiday in Kremnica, you will experience fantastic skiing in the ski resort Skalka arena – Skalka pri Kremnici.

Excellent reports have always circulated about the Kremnica mint, and we can say that rightfully so. Its products rank among the world's top tier based on several criteria right away. It began writing its story on November 17, 1382, when it started minting the first coins. Since then, it has expanded its portfolio and constantly delivers them to customers in the highest possible quality. We rank it among the oldest enterprises in the world that have never interrupted their production. Currently, it is a state-owned enterprise falling under the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic. Since 2011, it has also been part of the European Heritage Label.

From its inception, it has held an honorable position throughout all of Europe

The mint was founded by King Charles I of the well-known Anjou dynasty. He elevated the then settlement of Cremnychbani to a free royal town, thanks to which it was granted the privilege of operating a mint. From the 14th century, ducats with a fineness of 23 carats and 9 grains were minted here, which were faithful copies of florins, gold coins from Florence. Subsequently, domestic, Hungarian symbolism was reflected on the coins. Already in the medieval period, ducats from Kremnica became known as the hardest currency in Europe. This was thanks to their high-quality production, which was characterized by a fineness higher by one grain compared to all other coins of the continent. Thanks to the preservation of records, we know today that medieval Kremnica minted 21.5 million ducats.

At the end of the 15th century, ducats were replaced by half-thalers, known under the name guldiners. It was precisely during this period that Kremnica belonged among the richest towns in Hungary. However, the 16th century already bore the spirit of thalers, large silver coins. From 1710, the Kremnica mint began using balances as the first in the monarchy. Thanks to them, the minted coins gained not only in technical but also in artistic quality and value. The minters in Kremnica were not only skilled in operating them, but they even knew how to construct them themselves, and thanks to them and the patent, these presses were supplied to other mints. Following our example, identical machines were also secured for the mints in Vienna or Prague. At the end of the 19th century, the Kremnica mint was the only enterprise in the entire Kingdom of Hungary where the minting of circulation currency and the refining of precious metals took place. Already at this time, the results of the work were not only gold and silver coins, but also commemorative and subsidiary coins made of various non-ferrous metals.

Just like for other enterprises, both world wars were a severe test for the mint in Kremnica. They directly affected both operations and running, as well as property, but fortunately, the enterprise managed to be saved in a very short time. It was the only mint in Czechoslovakia, and since 1993 a state-owned enterprise of the Slovak Republic. Since then, our Slovak crowns as well as a wide variety of commemorative coins have been minted here. Great efficiency also occurred after the decision on the accession of the Slovak Republic to the eurozone, when in 4 and a half months in Kremnica they minted an unbelievable 470 million Slovak euro coins for the NBS. In addition, coins for many foreign countries have been minted here since 1989 – in Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia.

The mint is among the top tier even at present

The Kremnica mint offers a wide and diverse range of products. Currently, it mints not only circulation coins, but also commemorative, collector, and gold coins, as well as medals, investment gold, badges, plaques, orders, mayoral chains, and much more. In production, they base their work on artistic depiction and high quality, which is declared by an ISO certificate. Upon request, they will process all your requirements from precious and non-ferrous metals, in any shape, size, or surface finish.

Part of the mint is not only production, but also a company shop and exhibition. This has been accessible to the public since 2006. You can view historical minting machines, equipment, and, of course, coins here. It is also interesting to see a modern minting machine directly at work. However, you may also learn some other Kremnica "bests" here. For example, the fact that the world's largest silver coin was minted here, that during the reign of Maria Theresa more coins were minted here annually than in all other mints of the monarchy combined, or the fact that the mint was considered the dowry of Hungarian queens.

Past, present, and future intertwine in the Kremnica mint, and it is definitely worth a visit. We recommend that you book accommodation near Mincovňa Kremnica and also visit other significant Slovak mining town, not only golden Kremnica, but also silver Banská Štiavnica and copper Banská Bystrica. Do not miss the Museum of Coins and Medals as well as the controversial Museum of Kitsch. If you like history, you will also be captivated by the view of the town castle in Kremnica, the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier, or the town castle in Banská Bystrica. However, you will also find rich opportunities for hiking, relaxation in swimming pool areas, or great skiing here. In short, absolutely everyone will find something to their liking.

Among the significant mining towns in our territory is Kremnica, which is located in the beautiful Kremnické vrchy mountains. It was precisely here that gold and silver were mined in the past, later making their way to the mint. However, to see how this mineral wealth is extracted from the earth, visit the Banské múzeum Štôlňa Andrej.

This atypical museum, located just a few minutes from the town centre, will take you into the secrets of the Kremnica underground. Long ago, mineral resources were mined here. Local enthusiasts and lovers of mining history breathed life back into it and transformed the adit into a museum designed to introduce mining to its visitors. Along the 660 m long route, you will learn many interesting facts about the hard work of miners in this authentic underground environment throughout the year. Information panels present the miners' activities, the various machines they used in their work, as well as the equipment required to perform the job.

With helmets equipped with lights on your heads and lanterns in your hands, you will set off towards a small adventure. It is located 60 m underground and offers not only information on how the workplaces were equipped, but also attractive exhibits. A walk through the original mine adit, accompanied by an explanation of interesting facts, legends, and life stories, will take you roughly 60 minutes. The age of museum visitors is not limited in any way. Near the museum area, there is the route of the Po stopách banskej činnosti educational trail, as well as a cycle route leading to the picturesque mining village of Kremnické Bane.

You do not have to end your journey at this museum alone. You can gain information about coins and their production by visiting the specialized Múzeum mincí a medailí. A captivating explanation of its work is also offered by the Mincovňa mint. The museums are located on the square, and from here, only a few steps separate you from visiting the premises of the Mestský hrad castle. Adrenaline in the blood rises on the Via ferrata na Skalke, which is among the most interesting tourist attractions in Slovakia. A wide spectrum of active relaxation in the water is also offered by the Relax centrum Skalka.

We know that this town has its charm, and you can enjoy its atmosphere if you book accommodation near the Banské múzeum Štôlňa Andrej. You have the option to choose exactly the kind of accommodation where you will feel at home. This will be provided, for example, by cottages and chalets in Kremnica. If you want to be in the center of the action, order private accommodation in Kremnica through our portal. Don't know what to do? Contact us and we will be happy to help you.