Slovenské národné múzeum – Historické múzeum

About the museum

The Historical Museum began in 1961 as the history department of the Slovak National Museum and moved into the restored Bratislava Castle in 1967. In 1969 the department was renamed the Historical Institute, and it has carried its present name since 1991. Several of its departments later became independent museums devoted to the culture of Jews, Carpathian Germans, Croats and Hungarians in Slovakia.

The castle palace that houses the museum was built in the first half of the 15th century as a planned imperial residence. In the 16th century it served as a residence of the Hungarian kings, and in the 18th century, under Maria Theresa, it was rebuilt into the form we know today. After a fire in 1811 the castle lay neglected for a long time, and its present appearance is the result of two major reconstructions. The castle hill has been inhabited for about five thousand years, and in the 1st century BC a Celtic town stood on it.

The museum collects, professionally processes and makes accessible collections that document the development of society in Slovakia from the Middle Ages to the present. It has a nationwide remit and also manages a numismatic collection. In the palace, visitors can see the permanent exhibition Dejiny Slovenska (History of Slovakia), the state rooms from the time of Maria Theresa, the castle chapel and the Crown Tower, which offers views over three countries.

Highlights

• The Dejiny Slovenska (History of Slovakia) exhibition, from prehistory to the Middle Ages
• The 13th-century Crown Tower with panoramic views over three countries
• The northern state rooms in the style of the Maria Theresa era
• The castle chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows and the Baroque altar from Dravce
• Tour of the Celtic and Roman excavation sites beneath the courtyard (by appointment)

Permanent exhibitions

• Dejiny Slovenska – A chronological exhibition with hundreds of objects from the territory of Slovakia, tracing development from the earliest traces of human presence through the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages to the Middle Ages.
• Korunná veža – The oldest standing part of the castle, dating from the 13th century, houses a replica of the St Stephen's Crown and offers views into Slovakia, Austria and Hungary.
• Severné reprezentačné miestnosti – A sample of the castle interior from the Maria Theresa era, with period furniture and paintings from the museum's own collections.

Founded

1961

Operated by

Slovenské národné múzeum

Admission & discounts

The standard admission includes the permanent exhibitions and the exhibitions in the Northern Ramparts and the Treasury, but not the temporary Marie Antoinette exhibition. Free admission also applies to seniors aged 70 and over, teachers supervising pupils (1 teacher per 15 pupils), holders of ICOM, UNESCO and Slovak Association of Museums cards, journalists, and holders of the Bratislava Card.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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 side entrance to the museum is step-free, and the ticket office directs visitors to it. There is an accessible toilet on the castle grounds.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum offers family tickets and educational programmes for school groups.

Getting there & parking

On foot from the Old Town along Zámocká street, or from below the SNP Bridge up the Zámocké steps.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum shop is in the museum building.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit