The only specialised Andy Warhol museum in Europe, located in Medzilaborce, Slovakia, has reopened to the public after a three-year extensive reconstruction. Among those attending the official reopening were Donald Warhol, nephew of the famous Andy Warhol, as well as leading Slovak officials – President Peter Pellegrini and Speaker of the National Council Richard Raši.
The reconstruction brought major changes to the building, new exhibitions, multimedia elements, an amphitheatre and a walkable multifunctional roof. The renovated museum is intended to be a vibrant space for exhibitions, education, international cooperation and a meeting place for artists, experts, students and visitors. At the same time, it can support tourism, the local economy and raise awareness of the entire region. “World-class culture does not have to be concentrated only in capital cities and major metropolises. Medzilaborce, too, can have its own unmistakable place on the cultural map of Europe,” emphasised Richard Raši, who has a personal connection to the project. As Mayor of Košice, he headed the Košice – European Capital of Culture 2013 project, whose programme also highlighted Warhol’s influence on world art. He also played a significant role in launching the reconstruction itself. As deputy prime minister for investments and informatization, he submitted a proposal for its comprehensive renovation in 2019. The government led by then Prime Minister and current President Peter Pellegrini subsequently allocated a substantial grant to the project. Both therefore played a part in making the investment possible – Peter Pellegrini as prime minister of the government that approved the funding, and Richard Raši as deputy prime minister who submitted the proposal and promoted the project. “I believe that this museum will be a magnet for people from all over the world who, if they want to visit an Andy Warhol museum, can visit either the United States in Pittsburgh or Medzilaborce in the Slovak Republic,” emphasised President Pellegrini.
Richard Raši, Peter Pellegrini, museum director Martin Cubjak and Chairman of the Prešov Self-Governing Region Milan Majerský.
Bronze statue of Andy Warhol by Juraj Bartusz.
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