SLOVPHILEX 2027: Bratislava calling!

Received from the organisers of SLOVPHILEX 2027.

Hello philatelic world, hello exhibitors and collectors,

Bratislava calling! A small country in the heart of Europe—Slovakia—has taken on a grand task: to host its very first world stamp exhibition under the patronage of FIP and recognised by FEPA. It will be a specialised exhibition of traditional philately, postal history, thematic philately, philatelic literature, revenue stamps, and postcards, encompassing 1,500 frames. In Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, world-class exhibits will be showcased in the dignified halls of the Slovak National Gallery, alongside treasures of fine art, from 30 June to 4 July 2027. The organisers of SLOVPHILEX 2027 are a seasoned team with a track record of successful exhibitions with international participation.

Bratislava calling! Beneath the majestic castle lies a compact area steeped in history. You’ll feel its presence in the winding streets of the Old Town and when gazing at the golden crown atop the tower of St Martin’s Cathedral, the historic site of coronations for 17 monarchs, including the immortal Empress Maria Theresa. 560 years ago, Matthias Corvinus founded the Academia Istropolitana here, and the city remains Slovakia’s centre of science and education. It is also the heart of the Little Carpathian wine region, whose wines were once enjoyed by emperors and kings. The sparkling wine Chateau Palugyay won the Grand Prix at the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris—long before the Grand Prix of FIP exhibitions existed—though philately was already beginning to take root in Bratislava.

Bratislava calling! On the stage of the Slovak National Theatre, the voices of opera stars have echoed and continue to grace the world’s most prestigious opera houses. Bratislava is a city rich in artistic heritage and a joyful place for relaxation in the company of guests from around the world, drawn by its reputation for a welcoming atmosphere. Many figures from global history, science, and culture have known this charm. Paracelsus and Albert Einstein walked its cobblestones, as did Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Johann Strauss, Béla Bartók, Hans Christian Andersen, and Sándor Petőfi. Franz Xaver Messerschmidt and Georg Rafael Donner created their fascinating works here. The revered rabbi and scholar Chatam Sofer lived and is buried in Bratislava. And since man does not live by philately or fine wine alone, those interested in the history and culture of Central Europe will find plenty to enjoy in Bratislava’s museums and galleries.

Bratislava calling! The Danube, on whose banks Bratislava lies, connects the city to nearby Vienna in just 90 minutes via regular boat transport. Even faster and more frequent is the connection to Vienna’s Schwechat Airport, which receives flights from around the world—and where many exhibitors, national commissioners, jurors, and philatelists heading to SLOVPHILEX will arrive, unless their flight lands at Bratislava Airport. Bratislava’s hotels—Radisson Blu Carlton, Grandhotel Riverpark, Park Inn by Radisson Danube, and Hotel Devín—located very close to the exhibition venue, will satisfy even the most discerning guests.

And it is above all the Slovak philatelists and organisers of SLOVPHILEX 2027—though not only them—who are looking forward to your visit and your works, dear friends, your exhibition pieces.

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