Art, memory and culture
Galleries, synagogues and converted factories: the Košice that was European Capital of Culture, and the memory of its Jewish community.
Route map
Route stops
- 1East Slovak Art Gallery
The East Slovak Art Gallery in Košice showcases visual art spanning from the medieval period to contemporary works. The collection features permanent exhibits of Slovak and international art alongside rotating temporary exhibitions. This regional gallery offers visitors insight into the artistic heritage and current creative practice of eastern Slovakia.
0.4 km·6 min - 20Jewish Quarter of Košice
Košice's Jewish Quarter is a historic neighbourhood accessible by guided tour, which can be booked through the tourism office. The narrow streets here chronicle the story of the city's pre-war Jewish community, offering an intimate glimpse into their cultural and religious heritage. A visit provides valuable insight into this significant chapter of the city's past.
- 3Košice Synagogue (Pushkin)
Built between 1926 and 1927 on Puškinová street, this striking synagogue blends Oriental architecture with Cubist elements to striking effect. It ranks among Slovakia's finest examples of synagogue design. Today it houses the Museum of Jewish Culture, offering insights into the region's rich Jewish heritage. A Holocaust memorial plaque commemorates the events of 1944. Worth a visit for those interested in both architectural history and the area's cultural past.
0.9 km·12 min - 4Sándor Márai Memorial Room
Biographical exhibition on the writer in his parents' house (Mäsiarska St.); run by the Slovak National Museum.
0.6 km·8 min - 5Košice Art Gallery
Contemporary art hall in a former functionalist indoor pool, a legacy of European Capital of Culture 2013.
0.7 km·10 min - 6Eastern Europe Museum
One of Slovakia's oldest museums, established in 1872, housing over 500,000 historical, archaeological and ethnographic artefacts. The museum's centrepiece is the celebrated Košice Treasure—a collection of more than 11 kg of gold coins dating from the 15th to 17th centuries. A must-visit for anyone interested in regional history and cultural heritage, offering genuine insight into Eastern European civilisation across several centuries.
0.3 km·5 min - 7Tabačka Kulturfabrik
Tabačka Kulturfabrik is a former tobacco factory converted into a contemporary arts venue in 2009. Based in Košice, it functions as an alternative cultural hub featuring an art gallery, cinema, live concerts, workshops and murals. The outdoor terrace makes it an appealing spot to visit. The space has become a key fixture in Košice's creative scene, drawing those interested in independent cultural programming and modern artistic expression.
