Autumn in Slovakia is usually the time of year when two of its major cities light up for two nights. The event is called Biela noc Bratislava, but also happens in Košice. In fact, the festival started in Košice in 2013, when the city held the post of the European Capital of Culture. The festival aims to show the works of contemporary artists, both rising and established. Many installations, site-specific artworks, objects, animations, and interactive works are free.

Biela noc Bratislava started on October 3rd and lasted until October 5th, from 7 PM to midnight. The program offered artworks made by over 200 artists, designers, performers, and coders from Slovakia and abroad. While most installations were available outside for free, you needed to buy a festival ticket for some special ones, which was 15 EUR in presale and 20 EUR when you purchased the tickets at the dedicated desks.

Key Highlights of the Biela Noc Bratislava 2025

Most artworks were gathered in the old historical center, some in the nearby Vydrica project or Eurovea. Only three works were much further away—Plaváreň pasienky hosted the multimedia performance INWATERWETHRUSTSk SYNCHROSCOPE II, accessible only with the festival pass. Another two were at the Hotel Hilton: cinema Kino Fest ANČA and light objects Príbehy Rieky.

Some of the highlights in the old city were, for example, the site-specific installations in Vydrica. Czech artist Michal Pusějovský transformed two old ice cellars. One referenced the Foucault Pendulum, inviting the viewers to observe a quiet process of constantly emerging and fading images. The second space showcased a sculpture capturing geological processes through a modern, pixelated lens.

Old Market Hall became home to the project Aura by BN Label & Margin Gabčo. The laser mapping was minimalistic and immersive, and visitors could have their own dialogue with the architecture around them.

The Flux at the Primates Square by the French collaborative Collectif Scale was the most popular installation. It featured modular, innovative, and constantly changing light formations accompanied by music.

Various Peeing Methods/Candle Position by Zuzana Svatik is a monumental fountain depicting a woman peeing in a candle position. The author critically reflects on and touches on questions such as the status quo in the city’s open spaces and what is considered the “norm” or “normal” in such places.

Probably the most moving and touching was the multimedia installation No počkaj! Nu, pogodi! by Boris Vitázek. It uses the old Soviet animated film about the rabbit and the wolf. While children mainly get the visual appeal, older people can digest the ongoing threat and tension of potential occupation and conflict.

The author even explicitly states that the work reflects current events, especially in Ukraine: frustration from the ongoing wars, insufficient support for Ukraine, and an unprepared Europe facing today’s geopolitical reality.

As in many past instances, Hotel Kyjev and OD Prior again became involved in art-making. This time, it was photographer and conceptual artist Lousy Auber. He gave people a photo booth that produced video portraits of willing participants. After that, the team projected large living digital canvases onto the façades of both buildings.

Biela noc Bratislava 2025 once again unexpectedly connected art and the public. If you plan to visit next year, don’t miss the chance to explore both the capital’s and Košice’s editions of this international Nuit Blanche festival.