The open depository of Múzeum SNP aims to show the public thousands of items that have so far lain out of sight. The project builds on the institution’s history and returns to the original architectural vision of the memorial. At the same time, it brings new technologies, education, and collaboration with international partners.
From Idea to Implementation
The idea arose in 2019, the support agreement was signed in December 2020, and in 2021 the project was prepared in detail. At the beginning of 2022, Múzeum SNP moved from the Ministry of Culture to the Ministry of Defence, which required corrections to the project. Funding is based on grants from the European Economic Area and on co-financing from the Ministry of Defence. The aim is to create a modern space that will expand the presentation of the collections and bring them directly into visitors’ view.
The museum was founded in 1955 in the premises of the former town hall, the current memorial was built from 1964 and opened to the public on 29 August 1969. The original depository on the minus-first floor proved problematic due to dust and the routing of utilities. A change was therefore made: administrative spaces on the first floor were removed, and the archive and the library were moved to an educational center about five kilometers from the site. The freed-up space is being converted into an open depository.
Return to the Architect’s Vision
The reconstruction builds on the original intent of architect Dušan Kuzma: the spaces of the memorial are to serve primarily for presentation and exhibitions, not for administration. The cinema hall, the permanent exhibition, and other halls will gradually focus on making accessible the stories and objects associated with the Slovak National Uprising. This brings the memorial back closer to the idea with which it was opened in 1969. Collection items will no longer be hidden but will become a natural part of the visitor route.
The open depository will present primarily objects that have not yet been displayed either in the permanent exhibition or at temporary exhibitions. Of approximately fifteen thousand items in the underground depository, more than three thousand will be directly accessible in the exhibition space. The remaining ones will stay in the support areas, but in better storage conditions and with quick accessibility for professionals. In this way, quantity is combined with responsible care for the quality of the collections.
Technology, Education, and Collaboration
The space will be complemented by glass-fronted, electrically operated shelving connected to RFID gates and an introductory LED screen with a short video about the transformations of the hall. This will allow visitors to orient themselves instantly and understand what used to be in the room and what they will see today. Parts of the depository will be dedicated to textiles, art collections, conserved weapons, and equipment. The technical and optical conditions are intended to reach a modern European standard.
The project also includes live conservation and restoration demonstrations and educational activities using replicas of weapons, uniforms, or textiles, which have been running for two years now for pupils and students. The museum collaborates with a Norwegian partner in Narvik and in October is organizing a three-day seminar on the topic of the open depository for the professional community. The aim is to share experiences and offer inspiration to other museums and galleries. The ceremonial opening of the depository is planned for January of next year.
