Etnografické múzeum v Martine

About the museum

The Ethnographic Museum is part of the Slovak National Museum – Museums in Martin. Its roots go back to the Slovak Museum Society, founded in 1893 mainly by Andrej Kmeť with the aim of creating a national museum. The collections came from all over Slovakia and had a local history and natural science character. The first purpose-built building, to a design by Milan Michal Harminc, was constructed in 1906–1907; the second, functionalist building was opened in 1933.

After the state takeover in 1948 and the administrative merger with the Slovak Museum in Bratislava in 1961, the Martin museum focused on nationwide ethnography: the rescue, research, documentation and presentation of folk material and spiritual culture. The Museum of the Slovak Village, the open-air museum in Martin, grew out of this focus.

The ethnographic exhibition in the main building was opened in 1974–1975. It is divided into three thematic units: Man and Land, Man and Material, and Man and Clothing. It presents the occupations and way of life of the inhabitants of Slovakia, from agricultural tools, harvesting and herding to crafts, and is complemented by large-format photographs by Karol Plicka and Pavol Socháň.

Highlights

• Permanent ethnographic exhibition in three units: Man and Land, Man and Material, Man and Clothing
• Tools and objects of traditional farming, herding and crafts
• Photographs by Karol Plicka and Pavol Socháň
• Historic building of the Slovak National Museum by Milan Michal Harminc
• Museum garden open from April to October

Permanent exhibition

• Národopisná expozícia – Three units – Man and Land, Man and Material, and Man and Clothing – show occupations, tools, crafts and clothing of traditional culture in Slovakia.

Founded

1908

Operated by

Slovenské národné múzeum

Admission & discounts

Admission is free for children under 3, for one member of the supervising teaching staff per group of 10 children, for employees of the culture sector and of the SNM, for holders of ZMS, AMG CZ and ICOM cards, and for journalists. A full-day ticket to two SNM museums in Martin and a pass for five entries are also valid. Payment by card or cash. Price list valid from 1 April 2024.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum currently does not have a step-free entrance.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum sells small and large family tickets and offers educational programmes.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located on Malá hora. From the railway station, Andreja Kmeťa street runs through the pedestrian zone; at its far end, on the hill, stands the museum building. The National Cemetery is nearby.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit