Trenčín, 27 February 2025—The Creative Institute Trenčín announces an international artistic and architectural competition within the project European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026, the aim of which is to bring a new use and aesthetic appreciation of the underground part of the main underpass in Trenčín. The call is open to architects, artists and creative teams who want to contribute to the revitalisation of Trenčín’s public space.
The underpass as a living cultural place
The underpass is an important link between the city centre and the railway station. Today, however, it is perceived more as a transit zone than as a full-fledged urban space. The aim of the competition is to bring proposals that transform the underpass into an attractive place with a strong visual and artistic identity.
“The basic requirement of the competition is the design and implementation of an artistic and architectural intervention in the interior of the underpass (i.e. in its underground part), which will attract attention, preserve or even improve the illumination of the underpass, enhancing the feeling of safety and at the same time referring to the Trenčín 2026 project, in the context of the project’s main motive, which is Awakening Curiosity,” said Lívia Gažová, manager of the Trenčín 2026 project.
“The competition is a unique opportunity for architects and artists to participate in the transformation of public space in Trenčín. We want the underpass, which is used by thousands of people every day, not just to be a transit point, but also a place where people can experience art and creativity, as well as a presentation of the Trenčín 2026 project,” added Gažová.
Conditions and schedule of the competition
The competition is open to individuals and teams from the fields of architecture, urban planning, design and visual arts. Proposals can include various forms of interventions such as murals, light installations or multimedia elements. The deadline for submission of proposals is 4 April 2025 by 15:00.
An opportunity for the city and its residents
The project is part of the preparations for 2026, when Trenčín will become the European Capital of Culture. The revitalisation of the underpass will contribute to making public spaces more attractive and will create a new cultural destination right in the heart of the city.
Reconstruction of the underpass and its surroundings
Not only the underpass itself, but also its entrance from the park side will undergo a transformation. “This municipal investment action will ensure the glazing of the entrance to the underpass, as we did in 2012 at the Elizabeth Hotel. This will turn the underpass into a modern transit space that will make the daily movements of residents and the visitor experience more pleasant. The works will be carried out later this year,” added Erika Ságová, spokesperson of the Municipal Office in Trenčín.
Once the reconstruction is completed, the underpass will become a modern, safe and visually attractive transit space. This project is an important part of the broader Trenčín 2026 vision, which aims to improve public spaces and increase the quality of life in the city. The transformation of the underpass, together with other planned interventions in public space in various locations of the city, is a step towards a people-oriented city of Trenčín, whose spaces are not only functional, but also inspiring and pleasant for everyone.
Full information about the competition, including the conditions of participation and specifications, is available at Artistic intervention for the main underpass—Trenčín 2026
Contact for media:
Tereza Fojtová
Creative Institute Trenčín
E-mail: tereza.fojtova@trencin2026.eu
Tel.: +421 918 412 621
