BRATISLAVA

Brutalism can be playful and colorful too — as shown by Slovak architects. Their bold, futuristic buildings, some now heritage protected, reflect a unique architectural spirit. Where to find brutalism in Bratislava? Discover its iconic structures alongside the ART BEHIND THE GLASS pop-up exhibition.

RENESANCIA CONCEPT STORE, Askold Žáčko

"FIGURE II", "HEAD WITH READ TONGUE", "SUPRISED II"
composed fused and cut glass, metal
displayed in the window of Renesancia, Námestie SNP 19, Bratislava
(private collection)


Pigmentarium and Renesancia present Askold Žáčko as part of ART BEHIND THE GLASS — an artistic project accompanying the launch of the new fragrance, BRUTAL.

Askold Žáčko — A Slovak glass artist and educator whose work has left a significant mark on both Czechoslovak and Slovak glassmaking. His creative range is broad—spanning from glass sculptures and drinkware design to architectural commissions. Žáček’s work is distinguished by the interplay of geometric forms with a strong emphasis on light and the transparency of glass. Particularly notable is his contribution to architecture—his stained glass, light installations, and other elements can be found in numerous public spaces, including the central chandelier in the assembly hall of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.

Družba Dormitory

1978, Botanická 6162/25, Bratislava

A captivating play of color, concrete, and art—Družba Dormitory is the work of Hungarian architect József Finta. Even with prefabricated panels, Finta created an extraordinary architectural complex through clever detailing. The structure consists of two residential blocks and a central section with a dining hall and conference room. Red, blue, railings, doors, rooftops, chimneys, arcades—every element is thoughtfully designed and anything but ordinary. The interior remains almost entirely intact, with a remarkable concentration of original artworks. The communal spaces and striking connecting arcades are open to the public, yet this hidden gem is still known to few.

New Market Hall

1983, Šancová 3132/112, Bratislava

Brutalism with high-tech touches—or high-tech laced with brutalist grit? Designed by architect Ivan Matušík near the now-demolished Istropolis (Bratislava’s answer to Prague’s Palace of Culture), this market hall took cues from contemporary shopping arcades. Its façade and rooftop are marked by bold, colorful tubes—hallmarks of so-called machinist architecture—that extend into the interior, where they contrast with raw concrete surfaces, especially the striking circular skylights. Some market stalls and storefronts still evoke a bygone era, contributing to the space’s unmistakable charm. Declared a cultural monument, the New Market Hall is once again drawing attention.

Slovak Radio Building

1983, Mýtna 2873/26, Bratislava

An iconic inverted pyramid, this architectural marvel is one of Bratislava’s defining landmarks—a structure with no true counterpart. From its initial concept in 1967 to completion, the journey was exceptionally long, with some construction technologies invented during the build itself. The steel frame is suspended from a central reinforced concrete core, enabling a unique internal layout. Recording studios are housed deep within the solid core, while editorial offices and workspaces float around it in the suspended frame. Designed by Štefan Svetko, Štefan Ďurkovič, and Barnabáš Kissling, the building remains a bold and uncompromising testament to visionary design.

Slovak National Gallery (SNG)

1979, Rázusovo nábrežie 199/2, Bratislava

Just as Prague has its Federal Assembly, Bratislava has the Slovak National Gallery—with its iconic skybridge. And it had a master of Slovak brutalism: Vladimír Dedeček, for whom SNG stands as a defining work. The daring addition expanded the historic Water Barracks while preserving their connection to the Danube—the bridge-like extension appears to levitate, allowing open access to the courtyard below. At the turn of the millennium, the building faced the threat of demolition due to severe water damage and was closed in the early 2000s. Art finally returned in 2022, after a sensitive and demanding reconstruction.