The Association of Museums in Slovakia (hereinafter referred to as ZMS) is a professional association of museums in Slovakia, which since its inception has represented, advocated for, and defended the rights and interests of museums in Slovakia, primarily its member base – 70 museums (approximately 75% of the total number of 93 registered museums). ZMS, along with more than 300 members of ICOM Slovakia (hereinafter referred to as ICOM SK) and the Council of Galleries of Slovakia (hereinafter referred to as RGS) with 19 members (76% of the total number of 25 registered galleries), represents the professional museum and gallery community. Through this legitimacy, we have sought to obtain relevant information about the circumstances surrounding the transport of the bust of Cecilia Gonzaga from the Slovak National Museum – the Spiš Museum in Levoča, which is one of our member museums, as the media-presented information has concerned us.
The primary role of museums and galleries is the protection and management of the collection fund. This obligation is imposed, among other things, by Act No. 206/2009 Coll. on Museums and Galleries and the Protection of Cultural Heritage Objects (hereinafter referred to as the museum law), as well as related implementing regulations and international documents that the Slovak Republic adheres to. It is expected that museums and galleries will ensure adequate conditions for the preservation, conservation, and restoration of collection items. If these conditions are insufficient, it is essential to promptly take corrective measures and ensure proper conduct in accordance with applicable legislation. In this context, we would like to point out the need to improve the situation and respect clearly defined standards for the conditions of preserving collection items. Based on them, it is possible to assess the adequacy of the environment, thereby preventing various doubts and speculations. At the same time, this indicator should not be a scare tactic or a reason for the relocation of collection items, but should serve as an impetus for improving the situation and ensuring greater protection of cultural heritage.
The Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic (MK SR) is also the founder of museums and galleries, and thus the administrator of the state’s cultural heritage. At the same time, MK SR has a legal obligation to comply with applicable legislation and ensure its full implementation in practice. We are convinced that in the management and oversight of museum institutions, maximum emphasis should be placed on compliance with legal regulations and professional standards, and at the same time, institutions under the founding authority of MK SR should serve as examples of proper legislative and museum activities.
We therefore believe that in the case of the aforementioned transport of the bust, it was merely an inappropriate choice of communication method, which leads to various assumptions and even misinformation. Timely information and, above all, open communication could have prevented many complications and especially incorrect interpretations that arise from insufficient information.
We appreciate the care for the cultural wealth of Slovakia, which was very forcefully presented in accordance with paragraph j) § 6 of the museum law by the declaration of an extraordinary security measure. However, we believe that MK SR will take all steps to ensure that this extraordinary measure is lifted, thereby allowing the return of the collection item to the Slovak National Museum – the Spiš Museum in Levoča. We hope that all circumstances surrounding this non-standard action will soon be explained and will not be repeated.
Our professional associations would like to be perceived as partners of MK SR in matters of professional museum activities and the protection of cultural heritage in Slovakia. We are ready to actively participate in improving the situation in the museum sector and offer our professional assistance and cooperation. We remain open to mutual communication, which would ensure the information of our members about important steps and decisions that directly concern them. At the same time, we call for the resumption of the activities of the Museum and Gallery Council as an advisory body to the minister.
As professional organizations representing museums and galleries in Slovakia, we are convinced that together we can achieve sustainable solutions and ensure the prosperity of Slovak museums, not only for us but especially for future generations.
In Banská Bystrica, on 09.06.2025
Mgr. Michaela Škodová
Chairwoman of the Association of Museums in Slovakia
PhDr. Margareta Musilová
Chairwoman of ICOM Slovakia
Mgr. Miloslava Borošová Michalcová, PhD.
Chairwoman of the Council of Galleries of Slovakia
