Why did the gallery have to close?
The gallery building has severely compromised statics on the ground floor due to damage to drains beneath the building and subsoil leaching. There is also a crack in the front façade that is visible from the exterior. Uneven settling of the building resulted in expansion of window and door construction openings, cracking of glass, damage to roof water drainage, and ground-floor leakage. It caused damage to wiring, as well as the growth of mould in the exhibition hall. In the upper part of the building, there is damage to the roof and the risk of roof insulation rupture. Rainwater drains within the inter-ceiling are obsolete and in a poor condition, causing leaks into the exhibition space. For these reasons, in February 2022 the works of Ľudovít Fulla were taken to the repository for safekeeping. Emergencies in the gallery are increasingly frequent. The technologies used are obsolete and there are persistent problems with sewerage, electrical wiring, lighting, and the internal environment. Conditions in the gallery endangered the artworks and the health of visitors.
At what stage is reconstruction of the GĽF?
Project documentation, based on which the reconstruction will be carried out, has been completed. A building permit has been obtained and construction is underway, with the required probes currently taking place. The SNG will apply for European Structural Funds as soon as the relevant calls for funding are opened (Operational Programme Slovakia 2021–2027). As restoration of this heritage site is listed to be financed from this programme, the SNG has proactively commenced preparation of documents for public procurement of the construction contractor, thereby minimising any delays.
When will work start on the site?
Although we have the building permit, we are only at the beginning of the journey. We are preparing tender documents for the construction contractor, which is a transparent process for obtaining the most suitable contractor for the necessary gallery reconstruction services. All processes are governed by their own deadlines which we can only estimate, but we are optimistic that we will commence works next year.
What is the funding for the gallery reconstruction?
The estimated funding is EUR 2.7 million including VAT, and the estimated duration of works is 18–24 months.
Will it be possible to visit the gallery during this period?
It is not possible to exhibit in the current situation, so the gallery will be closed to the public until reconstruction is complete. However, the gallery team will strive to implement various outdoor artistic interventions and educational activities that relate to the personality and work of Ľudovít Fulla, such as the Fulla Outdoor series that will be staged at various events and festivals. We will also cooperate more closely with other SNG sites in Pezinok, Strážky, and Zvolen Castle, which is currently hosting the Fulla A/live! exhibition featuring an indicative reconstruction of Ľudovít Fulla's studio.
To retain visitors and further develop our audiences, we plan to cooperate with partner institutions in the Liptov region, including the Rozeta Gallery in Ružomberok, the Slovak Museum of Nature Conservation and Caves, The Peter Michal Bohúň Gallery in Liptovský Mikuláš, and local schools.
We will, of course, also prepare and run the Fulla Days 2024 festival in Ružomberok.
Where to go when you miss Fulla?
The original studio of Ľudovít Fulla together with authentic artworks has been relocated and is temporarily accessible to visitors at Zvolen Castle. Several iconic compositions form part of The Modern, the new collection display at the SNG Bratislava. These works all await their return home to Ružomberok once renovation of the building has been completed.
Ľudovít Fulla's works can also be viewed online at www.webumenia.sk
No work, no song.
Song and Labour – Ľudovít Fulla, currently on view in The Modern collection display at SNG Bratislava. Source: webumenia.sk
