3 October 2025 – The 30th Jubilee Edition of the BIENNALE OF ILLUSTRATIONS BRATISLAVA 2025 will take place from 4 October 2025 to 11 January 2026 in the premises of the Slovak National Gallery. This Slovak cultural gem, the world’s largest non-commercial event in the field of children’s illustration, is returning to the Slovak National Gallery after almost sixty years. It was right here, in 1967, that the history of this prestigious international event began.
An international competition and exhibition of original illustrations from books for children and young people, the Biennale of Illustrations Bratislava will showcase the very best works created worldwide over the past two years. The event is held with the support of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) and under the auspices of the President of the Slovak Republic, the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic, and the Slovak Commission for UNESCO.
Opening Weekend of BIB – in the spirit of “illustrators’ stars”
The opening programme during the first October weekend of BIB 2025 will present two acclaimed Slovak illustrators. On Saturday, 4 October, from 12:00, the award-winning illustrator and painter Peter Uchnár will paint directly onto the bodywork of a real car. This artistic happening will take place in the gallery’s courtyard and will feature fairy-tale and fantastical motifs. The public will have a unique opportunity to witness the creative process of a leading Slovak illustrator. This special event is made possible with the support of SNG’s main partner for BIB, Škoda Auto Slovakia.
On the same day, 4 October at 14:00, the gallery’s children’s studio will host the first workshop led by another renowned illustrator, Martin Kellenberger. Further workshops for the public will also feature the participation of the well-known Slovak illustrator and painter Milina Zimková in the following weeks. Art and illustration enthusiasts – children and adults alike – can look forward to a rich programme in the weeks ahead.
A rich accompanying programme for the public – from October to mid-January
Throughout the duration of BIB 2025, art lovers will also be able to enjoy the accompanying exhibition Brunovský – Hložník – Kállay: The Labyrinth of Art and the Mirror of the Soul, prepared by the SNG. The exhibition presents works by Slovak illustrators and painters Vincent Hložník, Albín Brunovský, and Dušan Kállay, key figures in shaping and developing the Slovak school of illustration.
Public workshops in the SNG studios
During BIB 2025, the Slovak National Gallery has prepared a special accompanying programme for families with children as well as for adults. Public workshops will take place in the SNG studios on weekends. Reservations can be made by e-mail at vzdelavanie@sng.sk, or, subject to availability, directly on-site during your gallery visit.
More information on public programmes can be found at:
https://sng.sk/sk/sng-bratislava/vzdelavanie
Special educational programme for nurseries, primary and secondary schools
As part of BIB 2025, the SNG invites nurseries, primary and secondary schools to take part in unique accompanying activities that introduce pupils to the world of illustration and children’s book art. Through playful and creative methods, pupils will have the chance to try out their imagination and artistic skills. Selected workshops will be led by internationally recognised Slovak illustrators Martin Kellenberger and Milina Zimková.
More information about the educational programme for schools is available at:
https://sng.sk/sk/sng-bratislava/vzdelavanie
School groups can register by e-mail at vzdelavanie@sng.sk, where teachers may also direct any questions.
Exhibitions
Exhibition: Biennale of Illustrations Bratislava 2025
Venue: Slovak National Gallery, Riečna 1, Bratislava, 1st floor, Halls I & II
Dates: 11 September 2025 – 11 January 2026
Exhibition: Brunovský – Hložník – Kállay: The Labyrinth of Art and the Mirror of the Soul
Venue: Slovak National Gallery, Riečna 1, Bratislava, Bridge Building, Hall IX
Dates: 11 September 2025 – 11 January 2026
Curators: Martin Vančo, PhD., Juraj Králik, ArtD.
