Primary Art School Boarding school

We welcome you to Spišská Nová Ves, a city with a rich history and a unique atmosphere. Right now, you are standing in front of the Elementary Art School building, which is a silent but significant witness to the changes that this city has seen in the last centuries. When you look at it, you may see only a functional school building in the first moment, but if you stop and pay attention to it, it will tell you a story about the aesthetics and social development of this region. Let's go back in time to 1899. It was during this period that the building before you was created. It was a time when the city was developing and needed new premises for its inhabitants and students. Although the tones of musical instruments sound in these walls today, young talented artists move in the hallways, the original purpose of the building was completely different. At the time of its establishment, this building served as a boarding house. Imagine, then, that these rooms were sometimes slept and lived by students who came from nearby villages to get an education that would open their doors to the world. If we now focus on the architecture itself, note the overall appearance of the building. Construction is an example of eclecticism. Eclecticism is a style that combines elements from different historical periods and architects, creating something new and balanced. Now when you slowly see the facade and the overall composition of the object, feel this harmoniously balanced form. Although the names of the specific architects who designed the project are not known, their work with space and form testifies to the high-artistic chic in the late 19th century. Especially interesting is the fact that the current campus is made up of so-called corridor solitaire. This architectural element is characteristic of buildings that are independently stacked and connected by a specific system of corridors, which in the case of a former dormitory had its practical sense of organisation of housing and movement in the building. It is this structural detail that gives the building its distinctive character, which distinguishes it from ordinary urban houses in the surroundings. If we look at the history of the institution itself, we will find that the place where you stand today has a deeply rooted cultural tradition. The school used to have a name People's Art School. This name bears a strong meaning in itself, since the Folk Art Schools intended to bring artistic education to the wider population, not just to selected elites. It was an effort to democratize beauty and creativity so that anyone who had talent and taste could develop their skills in music, art or dramaturgy. 2008 is an important milestone in the modern history of the school. It was this year that decrees of the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic No 324/2008 were approved. Z.z., which defined the status of the school. This act confirmed the current form and mission of the school, which is to raise new generations of artistic talent in the Košice region. Perhaps you will now be interested in one important information that makes the building more than just a place of education. The whole campus is officially registered as a monument under the number of ÚZPF 607. This means that the State has recognised the historic and architectural value of this object and declared it a protected element of cultural heritage. So when you look at the building, you see not only school but a recognised monument that must be protected for future generations. It's fascinating to think about how many generations of people went through this door. From students in the dorm from the late 19th century to today's students who learn to play instruments or paint. The building has experienced changes in regimes, wars and social upheavals, but still stands in the center of Spišská Nová Ves and fulfills its function, although in a different sense than in which it was originally built. However, the identity of its creators remains a mystery. Despite the fact that the building is a monument and is a good example of eclecticism, the names of architects were forgotten in time. It is a reminder that many of the most beautiful buildings in our cities were built by anonymous masters, whose only signature is the work itself that lies before us. Now that you've learned what history this building is hiding, we recommend that you perceive its atmosphere for a while. Look at the rhythm of the windows, at the stability of the walls, and imagine how life in this city has changed from 1899 to today. This school is the bridge between the past, when it served as a home for students, and the present, when it is the centre of artistic development. Thank you for sharing with us this short trip to the history and architecture of the Basic Art School in Spišská Nová Ves. We hope that you find this object more interesting now and that you will be aware of the image of the eclectic style and tradition of the People's Art School. Now we invite you to continue exploring other beauties and monuments of this city. We wish you a pleasant follow-up tour.