Museum of History

An integral part of a feudal residence is also a Christian worship space. It was realized either as a standalone object in the form of a noble chapel, a burial chapel, or a representative temple, or as part of the residential structure.

Although research has confirmed the presence of a sacred building in the area of Bratislava Castle as early as the second half of the 9th century, the chapel in its current location—on the first floor of the western wing—dates from the early Baroque reconstruction (1630–1649) led by Paul Pálffy. In the niche with stucco drapery, there used to be a canopy altar depicting the Crucifixion, and against the wall, there was a side altar of the Adoration of the Magi. During both modern reconstructions of Bratislava Castle (in the 1950s/60s and the current reconstruction after 2008), heritage considerations aimed to restore the original function of the castle chapel. Although this idea was not realized during the first reconstruction for political reasons and the results of the later reconstruction only confirmed this state, the challenge for the Slovak National Museum—Historical Museum from the beginning was to utilize the natural qualities of this interior to present sacred Baroque art from the museum’s collections.

Currently, the space of the former Music Hall is artistically completed with a ceiling painting by Ester Šimerová-Martinčeková, titled "Symphony," from 1968. The dominant elements are the monumental Baroque painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary by Anton Schmidt (1706–1773) and an organ made for this interior by the national enterprise Varhany Krnov in 1975.

EVERY THURSDAY, believers can participate in:

• individual spiritual dialogues and contemplations at a pre-arranged time. The specific time can be arranged personally at the phone number 0903 559 887 (Chaplain Ján Buc). • confessions • 3:30 PM worship services in the chapel

Worship services on significant church days will be announced in advance.

Entry for visitors to the chapel is free during contemplations, confessions, and worship services.