ELEMENTS is an outdoor exhibition presenting 1:1 scale replicas of selected architectural elements from the Machnáč Sanatorium in Trenčianske Teplice – one of the most significant works of interwar modernist architecture in Central Europe.
Designed by architect Jaromír Krejcar and completed in 1932, the Machnáč Sanatorium represents an important milestone in the development of European modernism. Conceived as a progressive healthcare facility, the building combined innovative architectural principles, functional design, and a strong connection between architecture, nature, human health and well-being. Its spatial concept and architectural language established it as an outstanding example of the international modern movement.
The exhibition focuses on individual elements that define Machnáč – architectural details, materials, and design solutions that reveal the precision, craftsmanship, and conceptual clarity of the original building. Presented outside their original context, these fragments invite visitors to rediscover the values embodied in modernist architecture and to understand the importance of preserving its material heritage.
ELEMENTS also represents the Jaromír Krejcar Society’s commitment to the restoration and future revival of Machnáč as a unique European modernist landmark. By bringing the building’s architectural qualities to life through physical replicas, the exhibition demonstrates the potential and readiness to approach its restoration with respect for its historical, architectural, and cultural significance.
The exhibition is part of the Modernism Revisited project, which explores new approaches to understanding, protecting, and activating modern architectural heritage. Through research, public engagement, and international cooperation, the project aims to contribute to the preservation of one of Slovakia’s most valuable modernist landmarks.
ELEMENTS offers a closer look at the details behind an architectural masterpiece while opening a broader discussion about the future of modern heritage in Europe.
Curator: Martin Zaiček, founder of the Jaromír Krejcar Society
Architecture: ô atelier
Design: Boris Belan, Dionýz Troskó
