East Slovakia Gallery, Košice

Name:

Východoslovenská galéria, Košice

Contact: Peter Markovič Director

Address:

(1) Hlavná 27, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia

Telephone:

421 (0) 55 622 6667, 421 (0) 55 622 1187

Fax:

421 (0) 55 622 0340

Email:

vsg@vsg.sk

Website:

http://www.vsg.sk

Hours:

10am-5.30pm Tue-Fri, 1pm-5.30pm Sat, 2pm-5.30pm Sun

The East Slovakia Gallery, Košice was opened in 1951 as the first regional gallery in Slovakia.

Since 1992 the Gallery has had its principal seat in the former District House, built in Baroque-Neoclassicist style in 1779 according to a design by Viennese architect J Langer. In 1888-1889 its front section was modified, two court wings were annexed, and the rear section was rebuilt. The facade carries a coat-of-arms relief dating from 1558. The first floor assembly hall - the so-called Historical Hall features illusive arcades painted with the coats-of-arms of the former Abov and Turnian zhupas (districts) and also of certain towns and villages. On 5 April 1945 the first session of the Government of the National Front of Czechs and Slovaks was held in this assembly hall and the Košice Government Programme was also proclaimed here.

A second building of the Gallery stands in the centre of the town, not far from the magnificent St Elizabeth Cathedral in Alžbetínska Street. Originally a Baroque building of the early 18th century, it was modified towards the end of the 19th century in the spirit of a pseudo-historical style in accordance with a design by academic painter J Bencúr.

The East Slovakia Gallery, Košice aims to document the artistic life of the East Slovakia region. It holds a collection of over 6,500 art works by East Slovak artists and presents a regular programme of changing exhibitions thoughout the year, featuring both its own collection and visiting work.