Matica slovenská
The dominant building in the town of Martin is the seat of the Slovak national cultural association and at the same time the second headquarters of Matica slovenská. It features a beautiful, well-maintained park with busts of historical figures who enriched the history of Slovaks through their cultural, artistic, or scientific activities. Come and refresh your knowledge of history and let yourself be drawn into the history of Slovakia by an engaging presentation. Before entering, you will be welcomed by the steel statue of "Matica slovenská", which is the work of the national artist Ján Kulich. In the historic building where Matica slovenská is headquartered, you can listen to a short lecture lasting approximately half an hour. However, museum exhibitions are not part of the headquarters.
Matica slovenská offers the opportunity to visit exhibitions and museum displays at its workplaces. The original headquarters, the so-called budova Matice slovenskej, built from the donations of Slovaks according to the design of Ján Nepomuk Bobula, is a national cultural monument. Its visit should not be missed by literature lovers. Inside, you will find the permanent exhibition of the Slovenské národné literárne múzeum. The exhibition in the Dom Jozefa Cígera Hronského v Martine is located in the writer's house, depicting his life and works. Documents, drawings, and literary works of the most significant representative of post-coup literature will draw you into the life of the talented artist, who applied his talent not only in Slovakia but also abroad. Get to know Jozef Cíger Hronský through a modern panel exhibition entitled „Jozef Cíger Hronský Život bez oddychu“, which will charm you with its design. The writer's house is also home to the Krajanské múzeum, which connects Slovaks living abroad with Slavic Maticas. In addition to the exhibition on the life and work of Hronský, it engages in publishing, cultural, and promotional activities.
The establishment of Matica slovenská dates back to the second half of the 19th century. In the past, it provided support to Slovak students and scientists in the form of scholarships and loans, and established new domestic and international cooperations and contacts. Behind its establishment and activities stand many prominent Slovak figures such as Michal Miloslav Hodža, Jozef Miloslav Hurban, Ján Francisci, Štefan Marko Daxner, Viliam Pauliny-Tóth, Adolf Dobriansky, and others. Matica slovenská covers collecting and publishing activities, creates conditions for versatile education, and supports cultural activities for a full social life. Every third year, Matica slovenská organizes the Matičný svetový festival slovenskej mládeže, where young people from all over the world gather.
Set out to explore Slovak history in the town of Martin. Take a look into the history of building Slovak culture. Rest assured that a visit to any of the exhibitions or an engaging presentation will charm not only history enthusiasts. If you are tempted to experience a piece of art, make the most of your time spent in Martin and do not miss the Turčianska galéria – Župný dom. Interesting places can make your holiday more pleasant even during a ski trip at the ski resort Martinské hole. Do you prefer warmer days? Take advantage of the summer season when the Kúpalisko Sunny Martin will cool you down after a city tour. Do not forget that the surrounding nature in the Turiec region offers magnificent views from the Fatranské vrchy. Visit Národný park Malá Fatra or Národný park Veľká Fatra and treat your body and mind with active relaxation. Choose from a wide offer and book your accommodation in the vicinity of Matica slovenská. A guest house, an apartment, or a picturesque wooden cottage will be your sanctuary for relaxation after an actively spent day in Martin.
