The museum in Michalovce brings the old time-y cars back. (source: Roman Hanc, TASR)
Exhibitions
History on wheels
Fans of veterans rejoice! Michalovce, Košice region, has opened a museum dedicated to old-time vehicles. Both historical automobiles and motorcycles have a place. Many of these vehicles cruised the streets of what used to be Czechoslovakia.
The museum is connected to a municipal road-train (as they say, “Veteran Express”) that takes visitors around the town, showing the most loved destinations and sights, and is popular for both adults and children. Additionally, the train takes visitors to see Zemplínska Šírava, which is a great spot for cooling down during warm sunny days.
The museum is inclusive for wheelchair users.
Time in National Gallery
Forgotten history, unwelcoming present times and hopeful future – that is what motivated the exhibition residing in the Slovak National Gallery. Project Time is Now comments on and showcases what queer lives in Slovakia used to be, and portrays what the future could potentially hold. A site-specific exhibition project works with what the national gallery has in stock already. The author works with the gallery’s sculptures, exterior and even interior, telling a story via light work and more. The exhibition is part of upcoming the rainbow pride that will take place in Bratislava.
The veterans are in an excellent shape. (source: Roman Hanc, TASR)
TIP: Refurbished national gallery is steadily filling up with permanent exhibitions, unique pieces, cycles and more. These days, you'll be able to find lost and found altar piece there.
TIP: Lost and found again, but with love. Abandoned spa pavilion now breaths with life.
Art
Nice music
Three cities, Zvolen, Svätý Anton and Banská Bystrica, all located within central Slovakia, will come together in a grand music festival. Starting July 1, the French Duo Fortecello will open the festival with their concert in Zvolen Castle at 19:00. Festival Peknej Hudby (Festival of Nice Music) then carries on with concerts skipping to around the end of the July. Visitors can look forward to Slovak artists (July 28) as well as Austrian artists (July 30) that will wrap up the festival.
Festival with atmosphere
Summer is without a doubt the season of music festivals. Of course there are the bigger festivals like Grape and Pohoda, but there are also other, smaller but just as eventful music festivals. One of them is Festival Atmosféra (Atmosphere) in Hontianske Nemce. The festival’s line-up will be filled with artists from all around Czechia and Slovakia, most of which perform in English, too. The festival takes place on August 4-6.
Most bands partaking in festival Atmosféra are known outside of the Slovak Borders. Tolstoys - on picture - are one of them. (source: Patrik Sopóci, SME)
TIP: The art of gardening - a garden of three countries grows in Bratislava.
TIP: Overwhelmed by the choice of what to try first? Check out our guide art guide for Bratislava.
Nature
Waterfall during summer, ice-fall during winter
Not far away from Banská Bystrica, a short hike to a waterfall awaits. Malachovský waterfall is found in Malachovská tiesňava. The hike itself is about half an hour. You can start in the municipality of Malachov and walk straight to the waterfall. The whole trip is sprinkled with an atmosphere of restfulness. If you continue, you’ll be able to reach a small well. On your way there, you’ll be accompanied by tall trees providing much needed shade. If you need to grab a snack, there is a small bar open daily on the way to the waterfall.
Through the forest to a cave
The cave Driny is the only publicly open cave in western Slovakia, and it’s close to Trnava! The trip to the cave itself is worth the walk. From the Jahodník parking lot, you’ll set off for a 25-minute walk through the forest. The cave itself is smaller in comparison to other Slovak caves open to the public. It has its own special atmosphere, though, that can be discovered with the help of a professional tour guide. They will accompany you every day except Monday from 9:00 to 17:00. About half an hour of exploring underground will have your teeth chattering, so bring warm clothes!
Visit Trnava on your way to Driny! It is the city of tens of churches and other sights. (source: Marko Erd, SME)
TIP: Too hot! Here's where to cool down during summer.
TIP: Fans of nature and hiking now have a new trail to explore. Find out more about the Warrior's Path.
Upcoming events
July 20 – July 23. Košice. Festival 66 Hodín (66 Hours) will take place in Košice’s culture-community centre Tabačka.
July 22. Bratislava. The rainbow pride parade will return to Bratislava with accompanying events.
July 14, August 11. Horehronie. A historical train called Horehronský Express will be ready for its annual ride.
During pride, visitors will have the opportunity to visit theatre, concerts, exhibitions and more as accompanied events. (source: Marko Erd, SME)
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Slovak National Theatre will be open to all during Summer Gala event. For free! Here's when to swing by.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: Passion for helping over retirement. A 96-year-old doctor loyal to his patients is the star of this week's batch of positive news.
WHAT TO ENJOY IN BRATISLAVA: This week is all about open-air festivals, jazz, music and gala. Here's top 10 events for foreigners in Bratislava.
WHAT TO READ ABOUT: Quirky Slovak language has its way around swear words. How to be polite in impolite situations?
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a restful weekend!
-Mária
Do you have any tips? You can reach Mária at maria.jurikova@spectator.sk
