The villa of Dr Viktor Mokrý in Topoľčany (source: Matej Hakár)
Topoľčany may not be the first place you’d look for a masterpiece of global architectural significance. Yet, nestled beneath a canopy of trees and cloaked in a veil of ivy lies just that. Defined by austere lines and the patina of history, this structure is an unexpected treasure.
Standing on the corner of Moyzesova Street in the town centre, the building appears modest at first glance. But a closer look reveals a story – of architecture ahead of its time and a refined aesthetic that has withstood the decades. It also tells of a place that deserves more attention than it has so far received.
Still home to the original owner’s family
The villa of Dr Viktor Mokrý in Topoľčany is considered one of the most important examples of modernist architecture in Slovakia. Remarkably, it is still occupied by the descendants of the original owner. The villa was designed by Eugen Rosenberg, a prominent native of Topoľčany of Jewish origin, who at the time was working as an architect in Prague.
This functionalist villa – each side offering a different perspective – is proof that even small Slovak towns can surprise. For those familiar with it, it is a true architectural gem and a quiet witness to history.
“The significance of the building lies primarily in the way it introduced advanced functionalist architecture to a regional setting, reflecting the most progressive trends in contemporary global design,” explains art historian Peter Kršák.
Villa of Dr Mokrý in Topoľčany (source: Matej Hakár)
