Slovenské národné múzeum – Spišské múzeum v Levoči

About the museum

SNM – Spišské múzeum v Levoči (Spiš Museum in Levoča, part of the Slovak National Museum) is one of the oldest museums in Slovakia. It manages more than 11 thousand collection objects, which it presents in permanent exhibitions and exhibition halls. It includes the historic town hall, the Old Minorite Monastery, the Dom Majstra Pavla (House of Master Paul) and the national cultural monument Spišský hrad (Spiš Castle); the seat building stands at Námestie Majstra Pavla 40.

The Old Minorite Monastery at Kláštorská Street 38 is one of the best-preserved Gothic monastic buildings in Slovakia. The Minorites came to Levoča in the 13th century; in the mid-14th century construction of the Church of St Ladislaus began, and in 1544, under pressure from the Reformation, the monks left the town. From 1691 the building was used by the Jesuits, who set up a grammar school and a noble convictus there. In 1935 the Spiš Bishopric bought the monastery and established a minor seminary in it; after 1949 it served the state, and after 1989 it was returned to the Spiš Bishopric.

The exhibition in the monastery has the sections The Monastery Complex in the Past, The Minorites and Their Spirituality, and The Jesuits and Their Spirituality. The exhibition hall in the seat building is used mainly for exhibitions and school programmes. The museum also prepares educational programmes for schools, for example on the work of Master Paul, on Pavol Dobšinský or on the art and craft of Spiš.

Highlights

• Old Minorite Monastery, one of the best-preserved Gothic monastic buildings in Slovakia
• Exhibitions on the Minorites and the Jesuits in Levoča
• Exhibition hall in the seat building of the museum
• Administration of Spiš Castle and the Levoča town hall
• Educational programmes on Master Paul and the art of Spiš

Permanent exhibition

• Starý kláštor minoritov – Exhibition in the Gothic monastery with the sections The Monastery Complex in the Past, The Minorites and Their Spirituality, and The Jesuits and Their Spirituality.

Founded

1955

Operated by

Slovenské národné múzeum

Admission & discounts

The prices stated are for the Exhibition Hall (price list from April 2026). Free admission is granted to children under 6, seniors over 80, holders of an ICOM card and of a card of the Association of Museums, and journalists. Holders of a blood donor card receive a 50% discount from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. Free admission on the first Wednesday of the month has not been granted since 1 January 2025. Admission to Spiš Castle has its own price list.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum offers educational programmes for schools and children, for example Putovanie za rozprávkou (Journey to a Fairy Tale) and Dielo Majstra Pavla (The Work of Master Paul); registration is required at least 5 days in advance.

Getting there & parking

The seat building stands on Námestie Majstra Pavla in the centre of Levoča.

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