SNG Zvolen Castle, in cooperation with the Association of Friends of Architecture of Zvolen and the City of Zvolen, will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the work of the distinguished architect D. S. Jurkovič in Zvolen at the beginning of October 2025. Jurkovič is connected with the city through an unrealised project for the rescue and adaptation of Zvolen Castle for the administrative purposes of the Pohronie County. He created the project in collaboration with architect J. Pacl. Finalised exactly 100 years ago, in 1925–1926, the project sought to find new uses for this important architectural monument in the context of heritage protection in the First Czechoslovak Republic. Jurkovič is also linked to Zvolen through the construction of a well-known residential building located between today’s J. Matúška and Š. Moyzes Streets, inspired by the architecture and details of the castle.
Programme
Thursday, 2 October 2025, 5:00 p.m., SNG Zvolen Castle Dušan Jurkovič and his Efforts to Restore Zvolen Castle – a moderated discussion with visual presentation
This discussion will present the attempts to preserve Zvolen Castle and to find new uses for it during the era of the First Czechoslovak Republic. Jurkovič’s efforts to adapt the castle into the seat of county offices and his presence in Zvolen during the 1920s will be introduced by gallery educator Silvia Čatayová in conversation with Ľubica Miľanová, historian and Zvolen heritage officer; Michal Šimkovic, art historian and expert in heritage research; and Ľubomír Fekiač, researcher of Jurkovič’s houses in Zvolen. The event will also feature a performance by the girls’ vocal ensemble Sweet Little Chicks.
Admission: €3.50 in advance / €4.00 on the day of the event
Friday, 3 October 2025, 4:30 p.m., Jurkovič Houses in Zvolen, Matúškova 1 Rediscovered “Jurkovič Houses” – guided tour
Although the adaptation of Zvolen Castle according to Jurkovič’s design was never carried out, his fascination with the monument ultimately inspired the design of residential houses built for state employees and county officials of Pohronie between today’s J. Matúška and Š. Moyzes Streets in Zvolen. Together with architect Jaroslav Matuščák and Ľubomír Fekiač, who rediscovered the forgotten architect of these houses, visitors will explore the common spaces, courtyard, and remnants of the furnishings of Jurkovič’s State Houses from 1926.
Free admission
Saturday, 4 October 2025, 10:00 a.m., SNG Zvolen Castle My Home – My Castle – creative workshop for families with children
During this creative morning, children will enter the world of Jurkovič’s fairy-tale buildings together with gallery educators and will design a house inspired by the architecture of the castle. They will do so in the spirit of architect D. S. Jurkovič, who, 100 years ago, sought to preserve and redesign Zvolen Castle. The workshop is suitable for children aged 6 and above. Capacity is limited. Reservations: lektori.zvolen@sng.sk
Free admission
Contact:
Silvia Čatayová, Gallery Education Department
SNG Zvolen Castle, Nám. SNP 1, Zvolen
Tel.: 045/24 53 001
www.sng.sk/zvolen
Facebook: sngzvolen
Instagram: sng_zvolensky_z
