The Bratislava Castle (source: Sme)
The Slovak National Museum (SNM) will close several of its exhibitions located in the centre of Bratislava on September 16 due to the unofficial EU summit.
This concerns the main SNM building on Vajanského Nábrežie embankment, the Historical Museum, Bratislava Castle and the museums on Žižkova Street, SNM informed in a press release.
Meanwhile, there will be three events, all involving wheels, representing the idea of European integration, solidarity and the hope for a better life, which will take place at 15:00 on September 16 on Bratislava’s Main Square as part of Slovakia’s Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Participants in a European cross-border cycle ride called Journey of Hope left Copenhagen on August 18 for a trip aimed at increasing awareness among Europeans of the need to be active and to support events organised within European Sports Week (held on September 10-17).
The cyclists are using EuroVelo routes that know no borders, thereby spreading the idea of a common Europe. They will be symbolically welcomed in Bratislava on September 16, when an informal summit of EU member states will take place in the Slovak capital, the TASR newswire reported.
A charity event called ‘On Wheels against Cancer’ will culminate on the Main Square on September 16. Its theme song, entitled ‘Find Your Hope’, will be played in thanks to everyone who has participated in the activities of the Cancer Research Foundation in recent months and has joined fund-raising activities aimed at purchasing equipment for research into and treatment of cancer. Fund-raising activities, thanks to a permit from the Interior Ministry, will also be carried out during the event on Main Square, TASR wrote.
European Mobility Week will be launched on the same day in Bratislava. It is aimed at promoting financial contributions towards intelligent and sustainable mobility for individuals, organisations and society. Driving licence holders will be able to travel free on the city’s public transport network and take a ride on the new tramline crossing the Danube River with European Commissioner Corina Cretu at noon.
The Sports for Everyone Association, Bratislava City Council and the Cancer Research Foundation have prepared a packed programme for the events on Main Square, TASR wrote.
UPDATED: The Slovak National Gallery (SNG) is also closed on September 16, due to security arrangements made close to the venue. It re-opens the next day, Saturday, September 17.
