History of the museum
The Šariš Museum in Bardejov plays an important role in the preservation, protection and presentation of these monuments. The scope of its collections and the results of its professional work far exceed the scope of the region and it ranks among the most important institutions of its kind in Slovakia. It is also one of the oldest in its museum network. The idea of creating a museum was conceived in 1897, but it was founded on 21 December 1903 as the Museum of Šariš County. The first director was Dr. A. Vass, the headmaster of the local gymnasium. The collection of material for the museum began in 1903, mainly thanks to K. Divald, V. Miškovský, A. Vass and G. Žebrácke. In a short time, almost 3000 pieces of museum-valuable objects were collected from the entire Šariš County. The first historical exposition (focused on the history of Šariš) was opened on 23 June 1907 in the building of the town hall. The exhibited material was donated or deposited from various, mainly religious institutions and organizations. It survived two world wars without major changes. Re-installations of the exhibition took place in 1954, 1967 and 1991. Since its foundation, the Šariš Museum has constantly struggled with financial and personnel problems. During the years 1907-1950 there was only a minimal increase in collections and no research was carried out. The years 1914-1918 were marked by efforts to move its most important exhibits to a museum in Budapest. At the end of the Second World War, the retreating German army again took an interest in the collections. Thanks mainly to G. The objects remained in their original place. After 1945, the museum began to profile itself as a museum of local history, focusing on the documentation of the development of nature and society from prehistoric times to the present and on the areas of the districts of Bardejov, Giraltovce, Stropkov and Svidník. Since 1950, it has focused on the documentation of the Bardejov urban reserve.Present
At present it documents the historical, natural and social conditions of the Upper Šariš region. It has a nationwide scope in the field of documentation of the iconographic creation of the Eastern Rite. It manages more than 700 000 collection objects from various fields of museum work. For this extensive activity, the museum has gradually acquired, in addition to the historic town hall, other buildings: on Radnični Square (building No. 13), Rhody Street (houses Nos. 4-6 and 27), Villa Rákoci and its land in Bardejovské Kúpele, two bastions as depository buildings. Today it manages 34 buildings (together with the buildings in the open-air museum). During its long existence, the Šariš Museum has deeply influenced the development of Slovak museology and has become an integral part of the cultural life of Bardejov and its region. As a museum with valuable historical, ethnographic, natural history and art exhibits, it is one of the Slovak museums that are popular with our and foreign visitors. This is also evidenced by the results of the number of visitors to the museum's exhibitions. Annually, they are visited by an average of around 60,000 domestic and foreign admirers.Villa Rákoci - treasures hidden in Bardejov Spa
Just a few steps away from the Exposition of Folk Architecture (open-air museum) stands the historic Villa Rakoci, which houses three thematic expositions:
-
Medical exposition - Authentically preserved pharmacy from the 19th century, including the original equipment.
-
Bardejov Spa - Oasis of peace and health - unique objects and documents from the history of the famous spa.
-
Crafts of our ancestors - traditional clothing, working tools and demonstrations of craftsmanship.
These include the oldest dated hive in Slovakia from Richvald and cups, from which the Russian Tsar Alexander I. or the Austrian Empress and Queen of Hungary Elizabeth of Bavaria, called Sisi, drank during their visit to Bardejov Spa.
Historical exposition - Free Royal Town of Bardejov
Directly on Town Hall Square 48 stands the Gothic-Renaissance town hall, where the exposition „Free Royal Town of Bardejov“ brings the history of the town from the 13th century to the 19th century.
Visitors will see works of art, guild objects, old weapons and historical furniture. The greatest gems are Small Calvary of Master Paul of Levoča, personal objects of the composer Béla Kéler and Brilliant cut diamond ring of Empress Sisi. The town hall building itself with its bay window and portals represents the first Renaissance elements on the territory of Slovakia.
Icons - the largest collection in Slovakia
Exposition „Icons“ on Town Hall Square 27 is one of the most valuable collections of its kind in Central Europe. It presents more than 300 icons from the 16th to the 20th century.
In addition to panel paintings on wood, there are also church vestments, liturgical objects and models of wooden churches. Particularly rare is rococo iconostasis from the village of Zboj and unique Deesis icon strip, which combines the Byzantine tradition with elements of Western art.
Natural History Exposition - Northeast of Slovakia and its riches
At 4 Rhody Street in Bardejov there is an exposition „Nature of north-eastern Slovakia and its protection“. It is the second largest natural history collection in Slovakia.
It presents typical representatives of the flora and fauna of the region in a faithful representation of their natural environment. Among the rarities there is baby shark from the Caribbean or python reticulated. The exposition will also attract lovers of exotics, as it presents fauna from all over Europe, Asia, Africa, America and Cuba.
Exhibition Hall - space for contemporary art
At Town Hall Square 13 See The exhibition hall of the Šariš Museum, which is housed in one of the most beautiful townhouses on the square. This space regularly hosts exhibitions of Slovak and foreign artists, thematic exhibitions on nature, culture or history of the region.
The advantage is that after visiting any of the museum's exhibitions, entry to the Exhibition Hall is free of charge.
Source of text and photo: www.sarisskemuzeum.sk www.muzeumbardejov.skMap
Information
Contacts to the expositions of the Šariš Museum
-
Villa Rakoci, Bardejov Spa
tel.: 054 / 472 20 72 -
Historical exposition - Free Royal Town of Bardejov
Town Hall Square. 48, Bardejov
tel.: 054 / 474 60 38 -
Exposure Icons
Town Hall Square. 27, Bardejov
tel.: 054 / 472 20 09 -
Natural History Exposition - Nature of Northeastern Slovakia and its protection
Rhody St. 4, Bardejov
tel.: 054 / 472 20 09 -
Exhibition Hall of the Šariš Museum
Town Hall Square. 13, Bardejov
tel.: 054 / 472 43 09
