The phrase Trenčín 2026 is being heard more and more often. It is not merely the name of a single project in the city beneath the castle of Matthew Csák, but a wide range of activities taking place across the surrounding region – a region already coming together behind a shared vision. The title of European Capital of Culture is one that not only the people of Trenčín, but also residents of towns and villages across the entire Trenčín Region, can be proud of.
The coming year will bring a diverse program of cultural activities prepared in a revitalized city and in modernized regional institutions. The aim is clear: to bring people and communities together and strengthen the sense of belonging and pride in being part of this moment.
Uniting the city and the region
The regional capital of Trenčín earned the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture 2026 also thanks to strong support from across its wider region. “Trenčín is the natural centre of the entire Trenčín Region, but we have involved dozens of other towns and villages in the project from the very beginning, and they continue to support it. I’m pleased that we will show how culture can become a driving force for cooperation and regional development,” said Jaroslav Baška, President of the Trenčín Self-Governing Region. Even now, local residents, commuters, and visitors can see this idea taking shape. It is a complex effort that brings together the City of Trenčín, the regional government, and a new institutional partner – the Trenčín Creative Institute. Each of these key actors sees not only its responsibility, but also an opportunity to fully harness the potential offered by the title of European Capital of Culture. For this reason, the region is implementing seven major investment projects within its cultural institutions. Thanks to Trenčín 2026, these investments will become a permanent part of the region’s cultural heritage and will endure for decades after the official cultural year concludes.
The lower courtyard of Trenčín Castle.
Trenčín Castle as the regional landmark
Five of the seven investment projects – totalling 6.5 million EUR – are directed at the region’s dominant landmark, Trenčín Castle, which is managed by the Trenčín Museum. In October, reconstruction began on the battery bastion, better known as the Cavalier. When the renovation – worth nearly 700,000 EUR – is completed, the once dilapidated structure will become an attractive space for educational activities and workshops. A major modernization of exhibitions salso planned in the upper castle, specifically in the Zápolya Palace and Louis’ Palace, with an investment of 2.3 million EUR. Jeremiáš Bastion will undergo restoration worth 900,000 EUR, and a further 1.5 million EUR will be invested in technical equipment and interior furnishings. Transforming the First Gate into an artist residence will require nearly 270,000 EUR, and the region will also renovate the clock tower and western fortification wall, with a total investment of 1.1 million EUR. Before the arrival of 2026, the amphitheatre and the paved areas near Omar’s Well in the lower courtyard were successfully completed and opened to the public in the summer – an investment of 320,000 EUR.
Gallery and library
The region is also involving two additional cultural institutions located in Trenčín: the Miloš Alexander Bazovský Gallery, which is undergoing a comprehensive renovation worth 6.8 million EUR, and the Michal Rešetka Public Library, which is being modernized for 7 million EUR. Reconstruction of the gallery is expected to begin in spring 2026. The gallery remains open to the public, currently hosting exhibitions by Igor Kalný and Rudolf Uhr, with a major exhibition by Stano Filko in preparation. This exhibition will also be part of the opening ceremony, taking place on February 14. Modernisation in the Michal Rešetka Public Library has already been underway since October. The library will gain renovated spaces, modern services, and accessible community areas that will significantly improve both its quality and capacity.
One of the community projects.
Building modern spaces
These investments are reshaping not only the appearance of the regional capital, but also how people engage with tourism and cultural infrastructure. They will become a lasting legacy long after the official cultural year ends. This is not merely construction work – it is the creation of modern, representative, and accessible cultural spaces that will support new initiatives, art, education, and community life well beyond 2026. In this way, culture will strengthen and reaffirm its place as a natural part of everyday life not only for the people of Trenčín, but for all residents of the region and its visitors
reklama
