Current culture tips from around Slovakia and the world.
Slovak Philharmonic returns to Český Krumlov after 25 years
On Saturday, July 12, 2025, the Slovak Philharmonic, conducted by Daniel Raiskin, will perform at the 34th Krumlov Festival on the castle grounds of Český Krumlov. This marks the return of Slovakia’s premier cultural ambassador to the festival after 25 years. The evening’s soloist will be Maxim Vengerov, one of today’s most renowned violinists.
His performance will feature Jean Sibelius’s Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47. To commemorate the centenary of Luciano Berio, the program will include his arrangement of Schubert’s Rendering, as well as Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1 in D major, ‘Classical’, Op. 25, and Arvo Pärt’s Cantus in memoriam Benjamin Britten.
Tinkering workshop and exhibition inspire young creators in Bratislava
On Sunday, July 13, a tinkering workshop for children will be held in Bratislava. This event is part of the ongoing 11th exhibition celebrating this traditional craft, with “Symbol of the Countryside” as its central theme. Over 80 original artworks created especially for the occasion are on display at the Primatial Palace in the capital.
The project aims to encourage the creation of new tinkering works and to keep this craft alive as an active part of Slovakia’s cultural heritage, while offering insight into its contemporary forms. More than 40 tinkers from across Slovakia responded to the open call.
Besides a 40-kilogram bear, the exhibition features a meadow of wire flowers, some crafted by Czech artist Věra Studená. The largest piece is a two-meter-high pigeon loft created by a collective from the Džarek Club.
Trnava Jazzyk festival brings Grammy-nominated star Meshell Ndegeocello
With its impressive line-up, Trnava Jazzyk is reclaiming its place on the map of European jazz festivals. On July 14, the festival will be headlined by Meshell Ndegeocello, a multi-genre singer, songwriter, and bassist who has been nominated for thirteen Grammy Awards. Her most recent nomination was for her latest album, No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin (Blue Note, 2024). Many musicians consider her one of the world’s best bass guitarists. Jazzyk will run from July 14-17.
Štefan Uher retrospective brings Slovak cinema classics online
To celebrate the 95th birthday of director Štefan Uher, the DAFilms.sk portal is presenting a retrospective of his work throughout July. The program includes seven films, featuring the groundbreaking The Sun in the Net (1962) along with other significant titles from Uher’s oeuvre.
In cooperation with the Slovak Film Institute (SFÚ), the retrospective aims to make Slovak audiovisual heritage more accessible. All of Uher’s films are subtitled in English.
Spotlight on Slovakia exhibition in Cedar Rapids, USA
The National Czech and Slovak Museum is presenting an exhibition entitled Spotlight on Slovakia, showcasing artifacts from its collection of over 20,000 items. The display includes Modra pottery, folk dress, carved wooden items, musical instruments, and paintings. Visitors can learn about Jánošík and explore a wooden house from the village of Čičmany, renowned in Slovakia for its white ornaments painted on black-stained wood.
Artwork by Andy Warhol—a pop-culture icon with Slovak and Rusyn heritage—is also featured as a highlight. Spotlight on Slovakia will be open through February 16, 2026.
