A Life in Costume: Milan Čorba Honoured at the Slovak Embassy in London
On 5 February, the work of the highly esteemed costume designer Milan Čorba opened at the Slovak Embassy in London. Having worked mainly for the Slovak National Theatre, Čorba created costumes for almost 200 stage productions and more than 400 television films. According to experts, he was recognised for a deep respect for the individuality of actors. A major selection of his designs is on display in a panel exhibition paying tribute to the 85th anniversary of the late designer’s birth.
When Art Refuses Silence: Slovak Cultural Resistance on Display in Prague
A tribute and a warning in one — this is how the exhibition “Free National Gallery. Description of a Struggle.”, which opened on Sunday, 1 February, in the Czech capital Prague, can be described. The exhibition presents the ways of artistic resistance culminating in mass resignations in January 2025, with over one hundred employees voluntarily left the institution. This act was a protest against what they described as incompetent steps taken by Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová, undermining expertise not only in relation to the Slovak National Gallery.
Through 29 March, 2026, in the Prague City Gallery, visitors can follow the sequence of events on the first floor, while the second floor displays artworks responding to these developments, including works by internationally recognised visual artists such as Roman Ondak, Andrej Dúbravský, and Anna Daučíková. Slogans such as Kultúrny štrajk (Culture Strike) and Umenie nebude ticho (Art Will Not Be Silent) reflect the boycott initiated by artists against the Slovak National Gallery. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the exhibition and leave messages on a fence resembling the one that stood in front of the Slovak National Gallery a year ago.
From Wagner to Mendelssohn: A Fairytale Journey with the Slovak Philharmonic
The Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra invites audiences to an event from its Popular Concerts series. On Thursday, 12 February, works by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Anatoly Lyadov, and Richard Wagner will be united by fairytale motifs and performed under the baton of Swiss conductor Kaspar Zehnder.
On Sunday, 15 February, the Slovak Philharmonic continues with an organ recital by Anne-Gaëlle Chanon, titular organist of the Temple Neuf in Metz. Her programme will pay tribute to important French composers and organists whose works are rarely heard in Slovakia.
The Slovak Philharmonic is also joining National Marriage Week (9–15 February) by offering a 1+1 free ticket promotion during this period.
Masks, Music and Doughnuts: Carnival Fever Hits the Streets of Slovakia
On 7 and 15 February, Fašiangy — traditional Carnival street festivals — will take place across Slovakia. Cities such as Bratislava, Trenčianske Teplice, Žilina, and Košice are among the many hosts. Masked characters rooted in tradition will be joined by a wide range of creative costumes worn by participants. The celebrations will feature music, dance, folk theatre, and traditional carnival cuisine. Expect doughnuts and sausages. Live performances and informal cultural interaction are accessible to English speakers.
