Discover Martin: Museums, Theatre and the Ferrata

When planning a trip to Martin, culture and hiking offer distinct focuses. Museums, a gallery and a theatre explore literature and book culture, folk architecture, regional art and theatre; the Ferrata Horskej záchrannej služby Martinské hole has its own route. If you are looking for a hotel, first decide which of these themes you want to shape your stay. Exhibitions and performances depend on their respective programmes, while the route and access are key for the Ferrata.

Museums, literature and folk culture

The Múzeum Andreja Kmeťa is housed in the first building of the SNM, built in 1908. A government decree of 16 August 1994 declared the building a National Cultural Monument. The museum houses the permanent exhibitions Kmetianum and Príroda Turca. Check the current visiting arrangements and exhibition details before your visit.

The Museum of the Slovak Village is located in Jahodnícke háje, southeast of the city of Martin. It is Slovakia’s largest ethnographic open-air exhibition and offers a picture of traditional folk architecture, housing and ways of life in northwestern Slovakia. Since 1991, the museum has organised events as part of the ethnographic year. These showcase examples of traditional folk production and craftsmanship, as well as customs and folklore. As tradition does not set a specific event date, check the current calendar and visitor information before your trip.

The Ethnography Museum SNM Martin is a separate institution: temporary exhibitions on various topics are held there throughout the year. Its programme offers a different perspective from the ethnographic open-air exhibition; if you plan to visit both, check the themes and dates of each offering.

The Literárne múzeum SNK is located in the centre of Martin, in the first historic building of Matica slovenská, which was declared a National Cultural Monument in 1961. The museum is dedicated to the history of Slovak literature and book culture, with a permanent exhibition, temporary exhibitions, and cultural and educational events. As of 26 August 2026, it was closed to the public until further notice. At that time, guided tours of the Národný cintorín could still be booked through the Literárne múzeum SNK. Check its current visitor status and booking arrangements before your trip.

Regional art and theatre

The Turčianska Gallery presents works by visual artists from the Turiec region, spanning several generations, in solo, retrospective and group exhibitions. The gallery has also opened a new permanent exhibition, “legenda – la ganda – galanda”. It explores Mikuláš Galanda’s childhood and experiences that shaped his first graphic works. Check the current gallery programme to see whether the exhibition will be open during your visit.

The Slovenské komorné divadlo Martin performs at the historic Národný dom. Its repertoire ranges from classical to experimental productions. If you are planning a theatre visit, check the programme for your travel dates.

Hiking the Ferrata Martinské hole

The Ferrata Horskej záchrannej služby Martinské hole runs from Martins Stráne along the Pivovarský potok towards Martinské hole. Its lower section is an educational trail with information boards and rest areas, leading to the ferrata itself. It can be reached via a red-marked hiking trail from the Martin Stráne, konečná MHD stop. This information gives you a concrete guide to the route and access, but does not replace checking current conditions: before your visit, check for trail information and closures, as well as public transport details.

The cultural attractions and the Ferrata involve different planning considerations: for museums and theatre, it is the current exhibitions and performances that matter; for the hike, it is the route and access. When looking for hotels in Martin, you can match your chosen focus to the information relevant to your planned visits.

Discover more destinations: Sučany, Krpeľany, Bystrička, Košťany Nad Turcom, Lipovec, Laskár, Turany.

Return to the regional travel overview: Okres Martin.