From left: Andrea Predajňová and Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová. (source: Culture Ministry)
Following a closed-door selection process in April, Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová appointed Andrea Predajňová as Director of the Slovak National Museum (SNM) on May 7.
Predajňová, a former journalist and spokeswoman for the Prosecutor General's Office, has no prior experience leading a cultural institution of this magnitude. In November last year, she was named acting director of the Slovak National Museum – Betliar Museum, located in eastern Slovakia.
The SNM is the country's largest museum institution, overseeing 18 specialised museums and hundreds of properties, including national cultural monuments.
Diverse experience
The Culture Ministry had been seeking a "creative personality" to continue developing the conceptual work of the SNM. Applicants were required to have at least five years' worth of experience in the cultural or creative industries, with additional expertise in museums, galleries, and the protection of cultural heritage.
Candidates who met the criteria were assessed by a selection committee appointed by Minister Šimkovičová. However, the minister did not disclose the committee's composition prior to the selection process.
Predajňová studied history at the Faculty of Arts of the Catholic University in Ružomberok. During her studies, she worked as a lecturer at Krásna Hôrka Castle, which is administered by the Betliar Museum. Her academic work focused on the Andrássy family.
She spent 7 years with the public broadcaster Slovenská Televízia, followed by a stint at private news channel TA3. She then served as the Prosecutor General's Office spokesperson for 8 years. Subsequently, she became editor-in-chief of Christian broadcaster Rádio Lumen and also worked for the Christian weekly Katolícke Noviny.
Before taking the helm at the Betliar Museum, she worked as cultural and promotional manager at the SNM – Museum of Puppet Cultures and Toys at Modrý Kameň Castle.
Workplace complaints
Predajňová's time as acting director of the Betliar Museum was marred by internal tensions. A group of employees filed a formal complaint with the SNM and the national labour inspectorate, accusing her of bullying and discrimination. Allegations included claims that she physically grabbed subordinates by the nose and wobbled them like a child. One staff member reportedly asked not to be left alone with her.
Predajňová, backed by Minister Šimkovičová, dismissed the allegations, claiming instead that she was the victim of "stuffing" – a term for workplace bullying by subordinates. She attributed the accusations to her attempts to uncover financial misconduct.
Šimkovičová described the complaints of the employees as "coordinated lies" and a "discriminatory campaign", comparing the situation to her own experience of harassment since assuming office.
The labour inspectorate concluded its investigation in April, reporting no violations. However, some employees expressed disappointment, saying the inquiry addressed only formal procedures and failed to consider the substance of their concerns.
Meanwhile, the Christian news outlet Postoj reported that former employees from Rádio Lumen and Katolícke Noviny described Predajňová as a strict and intimidating figure, likening her management style to that of a stern teacher.
