Bratislava for everyone
The Municipality of Bratislava opens its doors to all Bratislavians and visitors on April 23. – 24. Free entrance to city museums and attractions, free sightseeing tours, free tours by historical tram and many other interesting programmes and events. The event takes place around the date of April 24, which is Juraj nameday. On that day, mayor of the town was traditionally elected in Bratislava, based on a charter of the King Andrew III on granting municipal privileges in the course of a relatively long historical period.
Program
For bookworms
CITY LIBRARY IN BRATISLAVA
Bratislava Book Exchange – 10th year of the popular charity event, 21 – 27 April 2016, Klariská 16 courtyard. Weekdays from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, during weekends from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Prehistoric Monsters, Thursday 2:10 PM, informal lecture by Dušan Valenta associated with projections. Literature for children and youth, Kapucínska 1-3.
Peter Salner: Jewish Bratislava, Thursday at 6:00 PM, talk of a well-known ethnographer, publicist and author writing about the history of Jewish culture in Bratislava and Slovakia. Artotéka Gallery, Kapucínska 1.
Wisdom and Compassion of Animals, Friday at 2:00 PM, informal lecture by Dušan Valenta associated with projections. Literature for children and youth, Kapucínska 1-3.
Bratislava – The City that Reads, Saturday, Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
lending services, registration of new readers free of charge. Imaginative and foreign literature – Laurinská 5, scientific literature – Klariská 16, literature for children and youth – Kapucínska 3, music and art literature – Kapucínska 1.
Not only for the blind
SUMMER READING ROOM “U ČERVENÉHO RAKA”, Michalská 26
Demonstrations of guide dog training, Saturday at 2:00 PM
What must dogs learn in order to be reliable helpers for blind people? In cooperation with the Training School for Guide and Assistance Dogs at the Union of Blind and Partially Sighted.
The Path of Light – one-day photo exhibition focusing on the lives of blind and partially sighted.
For lovers of museums (history and wine)
BRATISLAVA CITY MUSEUM
Free entrance to thematic museums of Bratislava City Museum on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Museum of the City History, Old Town Hall, Primatial Square
– Tivadar Ortvay – Historian of the town of Pressburg, Thursday at 9:00 AM. Scientific conference on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the death in Faust Hall.
– Jakub Dvořák: The First One Hundred Million Years / Pictoria.sk – art-photo exhibition with stories in MMB exhibition hall. The exhibition is the result of collaboration between Dr. Pavel Dvořák and his son Jakub.
– Thousand Years of Architecture – topic: Franciscan Church, Saturday at 2:30 PM, meeting of those interested in the courtyard of the Old Town Hall. Education on city streets for seniors – a pilot lecture. Max. 60 people, booking tickets must be picked up from the organizers 30 minutes before the start at the courtyard. More on www.muzeum.bratislava.sk
Museum of Viticulture, Apponyi Palace, Radničná 1
National Wine Salon of the Slovak Republic – tasting of 100 top quality Slovak wines from 40 Slovak winemakers.
Museum of Historical Interiors, Apponyi Palace, Radničná 1
Museum of Clocks, house “U dobrého pastiera,” Židovská 3
Museum of Arms, Michael’s Tower, Michalská ulica 22
Museum of Pharmacy, pharmacy “U červeného raka,” Michalská ulica 26
Arthur Fleischmann Museum, Biela 6
Johann Nepomuk Hummel Museum, Klobučnícka 2
Devin Castle, Muránska ulica 10, Prehistoric Devín exhibition
Ancient Gerulata Rusovce, Gerulatská 7: Exhibition of the Reconstruction of the Ancient Gerulata – Bratislava – Rusovce Museum.
For music lovers
SLOVAKIA CANTAT 2016 – 10th international festival of children, youth and adult choirs. 19 choirs from 7 countries, 800 singers.
Thursday 7:00 PM opening concert – Church of the Most Holy Redeemer (Jesuit Church), Franciscan Square.
Friday: Competition part from 10:00 AM to 3:45 PM in Moyzes Hall, festival concerts at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM in the Klarisky music hall.
Saturday: The competition part of the festival 9:00 to 11:45 in Moyzes Hall, announcement of competition results at 5:00 PM on the Main Square.
Hommage a Lucia Popp, P. O. Hviezdoslav Theatre, Sunday at 6:00 PM.
Concert dedicated to the memory of famous Slovak soprano singer, under the auspices of the Slovak President Andrej Kiska.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Requiem in D – Minor KV 626 for solo soprano, alto, tenor and bass, choir and orchestra.
Performers: Cappella Istropolitana, Chamber Orchestra of Bratislava, the Bratislava City Choir, André Philipp Gold (conductor), Ladislav Holásek (choirmaster); Adriana Banášová (soprano); Judita Andelová (mezzo-soprano); Štefan Horváth (tenor); Boris Prygl (bass)
Admission to the concert free of charge with respect to capacity of P. O. Hviezdoslav Theatre. Tickets for the concert will be available on April 21 at the P. O. Hviezdoslav Theatre box office from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Max. 2 free tickets available per person.
FUNNY FELLOWS – Pressburg syncopes, Sunday at 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, concerts in the courtyard of the Old Town Hall (in case of rain in Faust Hall).
What you can see in the palaces
PRIMATE’S PALACE
Coronation Bratislava – Coronation of Maria Theresa. The exhibition presents the beginning of the reign of Maria Theresa, in particular her coronation in Bratislava on 25 June 1741.
Stream of Beauty – bobbin lace. Opening on Friday at 3:00 PM. Priadky Club the Regional Craft Centre of Folk Art Production Centre Bratislava (also Saturday and Sunday).
Gala evening of the 24th year of the Bratislava Mayor Award, on Friday in the Mirror Hall (entrance only for invited guests).
Mayor’s Open Day, Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Visitors can see mayor’s home office and offices, talk with mayor Ivo Nesrovnal, his deputies, members of the city council and become familiar with their work.
Active Life in the Senior Age, Saturday, exhibitions and demonstrations of skillful seniors from Bratislava districts.
Fanfare Concert on the balcony of the Primate’s Palace, Saturday at 4:00 PM.
On weekends, the public can also view the representative premises of the Primate’s Palace with a picture gallery, unique tapestry, and listen to concerts by children from elementary art schools in the Mirror Hall.
MIRBACH PALACE, Františkánske nám. 11
Arnold Peter Weisz-Kubínčan: The Search For Identity, an exhibition of works by representatives of Slovak non-traditional fine art of the interwar period. On Friday at 4:30 PM, family program for the exhibition.
Ján Berger: Kontinuum. Selection of new paintings by painter Ján Berger after 2000.
Permanent exhibitions: Central European Baroque Painting and Sculpture, Graphics Cabinets.
PÁLFFY PALACE, Panská 19
Rudolf Fila, exhibition
Permanent exhibitions: Stories and Phenomena – Slovak Visual Art of the 20th Century I and II, Gothic Painting and Sculpture, Celtic Monetagium in Bratislava.
Under Michael’s Gate
UNSEALING OF THE CITY GATES
Michael’s Gate, Saturday at 10:00 AM – the symbolic opening of the city gates for the tourist season and invitation for all to Bratislava. Performing: Society of Ancient Martial Art and Crafts.
Program on the city squares
SQUARE OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH – MAIN SQUARE
Workshops and presentation of the activities and work of children of primary art schools, leisure centers, program on the stage, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
E. SUCHOŇ SQUARE (in front of historical building of Slovak National Theatre)
Bratislava through the Lens of Children and Youth (BODAM,) 9th year, competitive exhibition on the bus from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
PRIMATE’S SQUARE
Welcome to the world of OLO
Almost every little boy wanted to be a garbage man and wanted to take a ride on a garbage truck. You will learn how it is to sit in an OLO collection vehicle, everything it can do, how to correctly separate waste, and what can be made from it on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Primate’s Square. There will also be competitions with prizes, workshops and drumming on the containers performed by the Rytmika group.
Story for children
P.O. HVIEZDOSLAV CITY THEATRE
Three Piglets
Immortal story of three piglets Nifa, Ňufa and Ňafa, full of catchy songs directed by Róbert Mankovecký – on Saturday at 2:30 PM. Cast: Henrieta Mičkovicová, Miloslav Kráľ, Juraj Hrčka, David Hartl, Martin Kaprálik.
Free admission to performances with regard to P.O. Hviezdoslav City Theatre capacity. Tickets for performances will be available at the POHCT box office on 19 April from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Max. 2 free tickets available per person. After introduction, signing of The Three Pigs CD for viewers who purchase the CD.
Dinosaurs come to life in the ZOO
ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN
Over the weekend from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM you can see not only live animals in the zoo – lions, tigers, jaguars, monkeys, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, camels and other, but also moving, sound-producing models of dinosaurs in Dino Park with a paleontological playground and a nature trail on the evolution of life on Earth. A live broadcast of Europa 2 radio will be directly from the zoo. You will also find an information stand about the Campaign of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums “Let’s Give Nature a Chance” (behind the pavilion for primates). In good weather, children can take a ride on the horses.
City police prepared examples of cynology work and riding division – from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on the meadow near rhinoceroses, activities will also take place in the traffic playground all day (upper zoo playground).
Given the very limited parking options we recommend you use public transport, which will run in an enhanced mode. Buses will operate on line no. 31 en route Trnavské mýto, Námestie slobody, Staromestská, Lafranconi, ZOO, Cintorín Slávičie údolie, and also on line no. 32 en route Hlavná stanica, Kramáre, Zoo, Botanická, Dlhé diely.
Special Guided Tours
TOURIST IN YOUR OWN CITY Bratislava Tourism Organization (BTB) invites you to a series of thematic shows. For more information visit the website www.visitbratislava.com
SATURDAY 23 April
Great Loves of Bratislava, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Talking about the loves of celebrities, the places where well-known and lesser known loves used to meet. Meeting point: the well of the Primate’s Square.
Bratislava Bridges, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
History of the five bridges of Bratislava, when they were built, but also demolished, after whom they are named. Meeting point: at the statue of Ľudovít Štúr at Ľudovít Štúr Square.
Culinary Bratislava, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Slovaks, Czechs, Germans, Hungarians, Jews, Croats and other nationalities coexisted in the city and in its cuisine we can find specialties specific to each of them. Meeting point: the well of the Primate’s Square.
The Theater Tradition in Bratislava, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The beginnings of theater in Bratislava date back to the 15th century. You will learn when and where performances used to be played. Meeting point: the well of the Primate’s Square.
Posh Štefánikova Street, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Take a moment with us to remember the former glory and beauty of Štefánikova Street. Meeting point: the fountain of Hodžovo Square.
Liquid History of Bratislava, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Wondering where our parents and grandparents used to sit around and what they were sipping on? Meeting point: in front Alžbetka, Mickiewiczova Street 19.
Bratislava – Pressburg – Pozsony, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Guided tours in English and German (separately). Meeting point: the well of the Primate’s Square.
SUNDAY 24 April
Saint George Day in Bratislava, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Do you know what important event has Saint George Day in Bratislava been associated with since 1291? Meeting point: the well of the Primate’s Square.
Deep path, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Terrifying legend of a long-ago murder, the pleading silence of Lourdes Cave, treatment with non-medicinal water and impressive residents of still more impressive urban villas. Meeting point: Corner of Hlboká and Križkova streets.
Coronation Bratislava, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Walk along the Old Town streets and squares, which once used to be full of crowds of callers to the glory of the new king. Meeting point: the well of the Primatial Square.
Art Nouveau Bratislava, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where in Bratislava can we find monuments in the Art Nouveau style? History of art nouveau churches, banks and hotels. Meeting point: the well of the Primate’s Square.
Culinary Bratislava, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Slovaks, Czechs, Germans, Hungarians, Jews, Croats and other nationalities coexisted in the city and in its cuisine we can find specialties specific to each of them. Meeting point: the well of the Primate’s Square.
Bratislava – Pressburg – Pozsony, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Guided tours in English and German language (separately). Meeting point: the well of the Primate’s Square.
In the underground, on the island and in the bunker
ST. JAMES CHAPEL
SNP Square, in front of the Old Market. Those interested can view the underground of St. James Chapel, who is open only during the event, accompanied by personnel from the Urban Conservation Institute, Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
BVS WATERWORKS MUSEUM
Waterworks Museum and Garden, Devínska cesta 1 (Sihoť Island, entrance to the island from Devínska cesta).
Tour of Sihoť Island with expert commentary, open exhibition in the Waterworks Museum. On Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Waterworks Garden, declared by the experts to the most beautiful Park of 2015, will be open until 10:00 PM.
MILITARY CEMETERY OF THE FALLEN IN WORLD WAR I and Military Museum Bunker BS-8 Hřbitov
Petržalka – Kopčany, Historical military cemetery and military defense fortification, Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
For sports seekers
Over the weekend, Administration of Sports and Recreational Facilities (STaRZ) of Bratislava Capital will make a number of sports areas available to the public:
Dúbravka Ice Rink, Harmincova 2 – ice-skating for the public on Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
STaRZ Sports Hall, Harmincova 2 (entrance from Bullova Street) – badminton courts, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sports and Recreational Centre, Harmincova 2 (entrance from Bullova Street) – a multipurpose complex, multifunctional court with artificial grass, basketball court, petanque court, children’s playground, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Pasienky Swimming Pool and Gym, Junácka 6 – swimming for the public (25 m pool) – Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, demonstration of synchronized swimming – Saturday 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, public swimming (50m pool), gym – Saturday 11:00 AM –7:00 PM,
League match in water polo Slávia UK Bratislava – KVP Nováky (free admission) – Saturday 8:00 PM, shooting of the film Nina (50m pool) – free admission to the grandstand – Sunday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, public swimming (50m pool) – Sunday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Shoreline Amphitheatre, Odbojárov 9 – skating for the public -Saturday, Sunday 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM in the training hall “A” on Sunday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the main hall.
Ondrej Nepela Arena, Odbojárov 9 – skating for the public -Saturday, Sunday 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM in the training hall “A,” on Sunday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the main hall.
Markets and fairs
CRAFTS MARKET, Friday in the courtyard of Old Town Hall
TRH – PIAC – MARKT, Saturday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM in the Old Market
Regular food market offering farm produce from the vicinity of Bratislava and exotic specialties from small traders. More info: http://staratrznica.sk/trhy/
Dobrý trh (GOOD MARKET) AT JAKUBÁK, Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Jakubovo Square.
Jakubák is dominated by authentic experiences. It focuses on honest, good, crafty, nature-connected ongoing (processes of) production and the best traders are carefully selected. Dobrý trh® at Jakubák is also a place to relax under the trees, for permaculture in the city, discussions, workshops, drumming, insect houses, program for adults and children, the festival zone [fjúžn]. At Jakubák we will slow down and enjoy life. Updated information about the event and program can be found at: www.dobrytrh.sk
Contests, bonfire and chairlift
FOREST DAYS
Partizánska lúka (Železná studienka) and Kamzík (Koliba), Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Forest Days are the largest nationwide event organized by the forestry institutions in Slovakia, and Bratislava is one of the five key regions. Forest educators introduce the forest to children and parents through games and contests for great prizes. Children will get to know plants, animals and the work of foresters in a fun way. Other activities are aimed at protecting the environment. There will also be boating on Pond IV, jumping in a bouncy castle, jumping on a trampoline, log and small log throwing,
Demonstrations on the topic: Beekeeping – Dušan Dedinský, falconry – Mgr. Pavel Michal, organic farm – Stupava, tinkering, carving, chainsaw carving. Excursions will be ready for the public at 1:00 PM. Do you know the trees in the forest? (guide Peter Pivko, organized by Municipal Forests in Bratislava) and at 2:00 PM What Blooms Here (in Slovak and English – DAPHNE – Institute of Applied Ecology). Bonfire ignition is on the agenda at 4:00 PM,
program closing ceremony, contest evaluation and prize awarding to the winners.
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM KAMZÍK
Chairlift Kamzík – Snežienka
Rope Centre Koliba – Lanoland
For horse lovers
RACING DAY AT BRATISLAVA RACETRACK, Sunday 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Meeting of friends of horses on the racecourse in Petržalka’s Starý háj, Starohájska 29.
Mayor Grand Prix and seven other flat races. The accompanying program will be taken care of by the students of the Ján Albrecht Art School. Little children can take a ride on horses and parents can try attractive betting on horse racing with payment immediately after the finish.
You don’t have to go by foot… (take a ride…)
DANUBE SIGHTSEEING BOAT TRIPS, regular free-of-charge cruises on Prešov boat every hour from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Saturday). Max. 4 free tickets for the trips per person can be picked up on Sunday, 17 April 2016 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the DPOH box office on Laurinská Street. The number of voyages is 5, 200 tickets for each, children also need tickets. Distribution until supplies last. Tickets will be distributed only during this time and cannot be reserved in advance.
RIDING THE HISTORICAL PREŠPORÁČIK CAR, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Embarking in front of the historical building of Slovak National Theatre and the gate of Bratislava Castle, stories about the city’s history.
RIDING THE HISTORICAL TRAM, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Round route: Vazovova (occasional stop before the entrance to Krížna Str.), Špitálska, Námestie SNP, Kapucínska, tunnel Nábr. arm. gen. Svobodu, Rázusovo nábr., Mostová, Jesenského, Špitálska, Americké nám., Radlinského, Vazovova. The possibility of embarking at all the stops on this route. Prepared by Dopravný podnik Bratislava, a.s.
Practical information
ENHANCED PUBLIC TRANSPORT CONNECTIONS
Connections on several public transport lines will be enhanced during the weekend of 23 and 24 April. Number 28 bus will go to Devin Castle from the SNP Bridge. Buses on line no. 31 will run to the zoo with the shortened interval between connections en route Trnavské mýto, Námestie slobody, Staromestská, Lafranconi, ZOO, Cintorín Slávičie údolie, and also on line no. 32 en route Hlavná stanica, Kramáre, ZOO, Botanická, Dlhé diely and line no. 30 from Most SNP in the direction to Lamač. Line 43 to Železná studienka will also run from Patrónka to Kačín.
Admission to all of these events is free. Tickets for selected activities must be picked up in advance. Admission to some event or exhibitions may be limited by the capacity of the premises. Program subject to change. Some events may be cancelled due to bad weather. For information, please visit www.bratislava.sk.
