In addition to creative activities, the public has a unique opportunity to visit the Bratislava Illustration Biennial 2025 (BIB 2025), on view at the Slovak National Gallery until 11 January 2026.
The exhibition showcases the best children’s book illustrations from around the world and offers an inspiring experience for all lovers of storytelling and visual art.
The combination of hands-on workshops and this world-class illustration showcase makes for an ideal way to spend meaningful and creative time during the winter months.
Pre-Christmas Programme at the SNG
8 November, Saturday / 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. / Free entry
Open Studio – Theme: From Fairy Tale to Fairy Tale
Programme for families with children aged 5–12.
The pre-Christmas season begins with a creative afternoon full of fairy-tale characters, stories and imagination. Children and parents will paint, cut and create their own magical worlds where adventure meets the charm of art.
13 November, Thursday / 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. / €10 per person
Workshop for Young People 14+ – Theme: Ex Libris
Technique: Etching
Illustrator: Milina Zimková
This creative workshop introduces young art enthusiasts to the traditional technique of etching. Under the guidance of illustrator Milina Zimková, participants will design and create their own ex libris – a small personalised bookplate that combines artistic creativity with craftsmanship.
27 November, Thursday / 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. / €10 per person
Workshop for Adults – Theme: Experiential Painting
Illustrator: Martin Kellenberger
An evening workshop for adults offering the chance to dive into the world of colour, emotion and spontaneous artistic expression. Guided by renowned illustrator Martin Kellenberger, participants will learn to experience painting as a creative process rather than a technical exercise.
6 December, Saturday / 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
St Nicholas at the SNG
Morning session: Christmas Decoration Workshop / 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. / €4 per person
Afternoon session: Studio with Peter Uchnár and St Nicholas / 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. / €5 per person
All-day entry: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. / €8 per person
This traditional family event offers a varied programme for children and parents alike. In the morning, during the open studio, children will create Christmas ornaments and decorations from natural materials. In the afternoon, they can join a creative workshop led by illustrator Peter Uchnár, where they will design and draw their own characters using pencils, crayons and pastels. Together with the artist, they will create a large winter-themed collaborative artwork directly in the studio. St Nicholas and his angel will also make an appearance, bringing sweet surprises for the children.
10 January 2026, Saturday / 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. / Free entry
Open Studio – Theme: Picture Adventures
Programme for families with children.
The new year begins with a creative afternoon full of stories, colours and imagination, where children will embark on a picture adventure and create their own small illustrated books or comics. All events will take place on the ground floor of the Slovak National Gallery’s Studio. Advance registration is required for workshops. Details and registration are available at: https://sng.sk/sk/sng-bratislava/vystavy-programy?event_type=event or via email at vzdelavanie@sng.sk
