The Ľudovít Fulla Gallery was closed to the public in 2022 due to the critical technical condition of the building. The structural assessment revealed several severe issues, including compromised structural integrity of a section of the building, damage to the roof cladding, an inadequate drainage system, and water leaks. For safety reasons, the artworks were relocated to the depositories of the Slovak National Gallery.
Following the successful completion of the public procurement process and the securing of funding, the restoration project is now entering the implementation phase. PAMARCH has been appointed as the contractor for the construction works, with the contract valued at EUR 3,279,802.68 excluding VAT. The project also includes construction supervision and expert architectural oversight. The financing for the restoration is secured through the Slovakia Program via the European Regional Development Fund and the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic.
"Today, we are taking a significant step toward bringing the Ľudovít Fulla Gallery back to life. After several years during which this important national cultural monument remained closed, its restoration is finally beginning. Our goal is not only to resolve the building's technical issues but to restore it in a way that allows it to once again worthily serve the public, art, and future generations of visitors," said Juraj Králik, Director General of the SNG.
The reconstruction will be carried out with an emphasis on preserving the architectural and heritage values of the building. The project envisions returning the building as close as possible to its original 1969 appearance.
The iconic glass-mosaic facade will be restored, and several original architectural elements will be refurbished, including stone cladding, staircases, and historic interior details. Authentic spaces associated with the life and work of Ľudovít Fulla will also be preserved and professionally restored.
The Ľudovít Fulla Gallery is a unique venue in Slovak culture. It was built not only to preserve and present his work but also as a place where Ľudovít Fulla lived and created. Visitors, therefore, do not just enter a gallery, but an authentic environment that was part of the artist's everyday life and creative process. The building was completed in 1969 and is designated as a national cultural monument.
The estimated duration of the construction works is 24 months from the handover of the site. Following the completion of the reconstruction, the collection items and works of Ľudovít Fulla will return to the gallery. "We believe that once the restoration is complete, the Ľudovít Fulla Gallery will again become a place where art, architecture, and education meet. At the same time, it will serve as a fitting reminder of the exceptional legacy of Ľudovít Fulla, who is one of the most prominent figures in Slovak visual arts. I am delighted that after years, life will return to this building. For many residents of Ružomberok, the gallery was a natural part of the city and its cultural life. I believe that after the restoration, it will once again become a place of encounters, inspiration, and pride in the exceptional cultural heritage that Ružomberok possesses," added Juraj Králik.
The Ľudovít Fulla Gallery in Ružomberok in Numbers:
It is a national cultural monument and part of the SNG; it has been closed since 2022 due to its critical technical condition
Value of construction works: EUR 3,279,802.68 excluding VAT
Funding: Slovakia Program, European Regional Development Fund, and the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic
Estimated duration of reconstruction: 24 months
