Renovation of the Courtyard of the Mirbach Palace GMB

The restoration of the inner courtyard façade of Mirbach Palace, one of Bratislava’s most important Rococo landmarks, was carried out as part of a project funded by the European Union and the State Budget of the Slovak Republic through the Slovakia Programme, managed by the Ministry of Investment, Regional Development and Informatization of the Slovak Republic, with co-financing from the Bratislava City Municipality. The project continues the long-term care of the historic building, which was declared a National Cultural Monument in the 1950s. Mirbach Palace, including its courtyard, underwent a comprehensive restoration and adaptation for the needs of the gallery during the 1960s and 1970s. The current restoration of the courtyard façades therefore comes more than fifty years later, marking another important chapter in the life of this historic building. The project carefully respects the monument’s heritage values while responding to the contemporary needs of the gallery and its visitors.

The restoration included the conservation of 459 square metres of façade surfaces, as well as the restoration of 22 historic windows. The project also encompassed the renovation of the plinth and architectural details, the reconstruction of the courtyard’s water supply system, and the installation of structured cabling required for the gallery’s operation. A key aspect of the project was the implementation of accessibility measures, making not only the courtyard but also the gallery’s spaces and programmes more accessible to a wider range of visitors. New features include a tactile orientation map, tactile guiding paths, an accessible wayfinding system, and audio beacons for visitors with visual impairments. Visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing can make use of induction loops, content available in Slovak Sign Language, and other accessibility features.

“Our ambition is for Mirbach Palace to remain not only an exceptional historic monument but also an open and welcoming place for everyone. The restoration of the courtyard combines respect for cultural heritage with the needs of today's visitors. It also enhances the visitor experience by providing contemporary amenities, including a café, a bookshop, and a safe, welcoming studio space for people of all ages,” says Katarína Trnovská, Director of Bratislava City Gallery.

Mirbach Palace is one of the most significant historic buildings managed by Bratislava City Gallery. Its courtyard serves as a public space for relaxation, cultural events, educational activities, and social gatherings for gallery visitors. The completed restoration will help preserve its historical value while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The project was carried out in accordance with the requirements of heritage conservation and the principles of inclusive access to culture. It was funded by the European Union in the amount of €213,073.20, by the State Budget of the Slovak Republic in the amount of €239,707.35, and by Bratislava City Gallery’s own resources in the amount of €79,902.45. The total eligible project expenditure amounted to €532,683.00.