Gallery buildings history
With its rich history, Trnava is a powerful regional cultural centre and a seat of the Trnava Self Governing Region. There is a variety of cultural opportunities in Trnava (West Slovak Museum, Ján Palárik Theatre, St. Vojtech League, three universities and it is also a place where many international events take place, to mention just a few of them: Dobrofest, the vocal competition of M. Schneider-Trnavský, Trnava Organ Days, etc.). Moreover, Trnava was the first one to receive the Privilege of a Free Royal Town in 1238 and was also the first one to launch horse transport services whose line led from Bratislava to Trnava (1846). From the art historical point of view, Trnava reached its peak in the Middle Ages (it has one of the best preserved town fortifications and the Church of St. Nicholas and Church of St. Helen are also worth mentioning) and later on in Baroque of 17th and 18th centuries (the existence of the University of Trnava 1635 – 1777, the complex of university buildings with the Church of St. John the Baptist and other examples of this period, e.g. Holy Trinity Church, Church of St. Anne). For unique, quality and well-preserved historical monuments, the historical centre of the town was declared to be a heritage reserve (1987). Due to its many churches the seat of the Catholic Church in Slovakia, it is also called “Little Rome”. Ján Koniarek Gallery in Trnava along with Záhorie Gallery in Senica and the Gallery of Contemporary Hungarian Artists in Dunajská Streda make a needed background for developing fine arts culture in the region. In the post-war period, an important role has been played also by the town of Piešťany; let us mention just some of the activities: Piešťany Parks Sculpture 1967 – 1970, the International Painting Symposium in Moravany nad Váhom (since1967 – the oldest, still existing painting symposium in Slovakia). In addition, many significant Slovak artists of the 20th century come from the Trnava region (J. Koniarek, F. Štefunko, C. Majerník, F. Reichentál, E. Špitz, A. Klimo, J. Koller, A. Cepka, etc.)
SYNAGOGUE – CENTRE OF CONTEMPORARY ART
in the context of the Jewish history in Trnava
From 1340 on, there are found references to Jewish community in Trnava. In 1494 were the Jewish people accused of ritual murder and as a consequence, 14 of them were burnt at a stake. The rest of them was banished from the town Trnava. The south gate, the one they went through when fleeing was walled up. The verdict of the town council interdictory to establishing the Jewish community in Trnava, was confirmed by Ferdinand I. (in 1533) and later by Leopold I. (in 1686).
In 1783 was this verdict annihilated by emperor Joseph II. In the run of the 19th century, the Jewish community in Trnava distended so much, that rabbi Simon Sidon decided to move his seat from Cifer (nearby village) to Trnava in 1855. In 1891 was the development of the synagogue building opened. The synagogue was finished and made accessible for religious purposes in 1897.
In 1950 was the building of the synagogue acquired by a company, which used it for the purpose of a storage house for small-wares and five floors and a service elevator were built within the interior space of the synagogue.
In 1978, the object of the synagogue was proposed to be added to the list of national cultural heritage. Later, in 1993, the gallery acquired and partly reconstructed the space for the exhibition purposes. The synagogue was opened for the presentation of contemporary art in January 1994. Since that time, exhibitions based on site-specific situation and special atmosphere are realised in this building, as well as various concerts and lectures.
SYNAGOGUE – CENTRE OF CONTEMPORARY ART
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Synagogue interier
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SYNAGOGUE – CENTRE OF CONTEMPORARY ART
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Synagogue interier in the past
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