Piešťany to see the first exhibition hall being constructed in Slovakia since 1989

A new modern exhibition hall to house large military exhibits will be constructed in the grounds of the Museum of Military History (VHM) Piešťany to provide the public and museum restorers with an exhibition space befitting the 21st century. Symbolically, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď along with representatives of the Institute of Military History (VHÚ) and local government tapped the foundation stone at the Museum's Large Exhibits Hall foundation stone ceremony today.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “The unique large collection objects that will be on display in the Museumʼs new hall will offer visitors the finest experience of and enthusiasm for our military history, which is truly very rich to explore. In this respect, we have a lot to boast of, which is why I am pleased that this permanent collection of military exhibits will finally have its dignified premises. Whatʼs more, these will greatly expand the Museumʼs exhibition space in Halls 1-3.“

As Minister Naď noted, parts of the museum collections are currently on display in the open with no roof or cover to protect them. As well as establishing suitable interior display conditions for such exhibits, this project will also cover the construction of the restorers' workshop with access to visitors, administrative spaces, technical rooms, and toilet facilities.

The construction of the Museum's Large Exhibits Hall, in the words of Director of the Institute of Military History Col Miloslav Čaplovič, is “a landmark milestone in the implementation of the VHÚ's ambitious development plan well until 2030”. Interestingly, the museum building is the first to be built in Slovakia in more than 30 years.

Director of the Institute of Military History Col Miloslav Čaplovič said: “The new hall will enhance the protection and safety of 75 valuable large collection objects and will provide greater comfort to visitors. Content-wise, the new galleries will map out Slovak military history from the end of the Second World War – covering four historical milestones – to present. With this project, the conditions of care for collection objects or militaria will be improved, and so will their presentation to the wide public. Importantly, broadening knowledge of our own history is a source of wisdom...”

The Slovak government greenlighted the Large Exhibits Hall Construction Project in June 2022. The construction works on the MOD Estate at VHM Piešťany are scheduled to be completed in 2024. Based on the processed and approved project documentation, the total construction costs are estimated at €4.07m, VAT included.