Plečnik was a visionary whose masterpieces left their mark on the entire Central European region
At the invitation of the President of the Slovak Republic, Peter Pellegrini, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, attended the opening of the exhibition "Jože Plečnik, Architect of Central Europe" in Bratislava, which is on display at the Slovak National Museum at Bratislava Castle and of which she is the honorary patron. The exhibition is a valuable initiative for spreading awareness of Plečnik's cultural heritage and an expression of respect for the artistic legacy that connects the nations of Central Europe.
Bratislava, Slovak Republic, 1 Oct 2025
Besides the President of the Republic of Slovenia and the President of the Slovak Republic, the opening ceremony was also attended by the President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, and the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel. Before viewing the exhibition, the presidents held a joint working meeting, where they discussed current international developments and cooperation between their countries.
In her opening speech, President Pirc Musar emphasised that Plečnik's work is deeply woven into Slovenian identity and European cultural heritage: "Plečnik knew how to combine tradition and modernity, monumentality and simplicity, the national and the universal. His architecture speaks to us about the search for balance, beauty and meaning – values that we need more than ever today."
The President also highlighted the unifying power of architecture and culture: "An exhibition such as today's reminds us that art is not only an aesthetic expression, but also a bridge between nations. With his works, Plečnik transcended borders and created a space for a shared Central European identity." She also expressed her satisfaction that the exhibition in Bratislava opens a dialogue between Plečnik and Slovak architects who studied in Prague: "This gives us a richer insight into Plečnik's influence and the creative pulse of the Central European space, which is connected by a shared cultural history."
The exhibition, which will be on display in Bratislava until 30 June 2026, presents Plečnik in various phases of his life and work in Ljubljana, Vienna and Prague. It is enriched with documents, architectural models and artifacts from the collections of Slovenian, Austrian, Czech and Slovak institutions, along with a publication that will also bring Plečnik's work closer to a wider international audience.
During her visit, President Pirc Musar also received the highest award from the Slovak non-governmental and non-profit organization Servare et Manere, which is presented to individuals for their outstanding contributions to the preservation of peace and international cooperation. Upon receiving the award, the President said: "I accept this award with great gratitude. At a time when Europe and the world are facing many challenges, we must strengthen even more what unites us."
