On 16 June 2026, the Provincial Archives of Maribor will host the opening of an exhibition dedicated to the history of the Tomos motorcycle, a symbol of industrial heritage and cultural memory in Slovenia. The exhibition, titled "Tomos - More than a Motor," explores the evolution of this iconic vehicle from its early production stages to its status as a cult object. Organized by the Provincial Archives of Koper, the exhibit features rare archival materials, photographs, blueprints, documents, and personal memories from the time when Tomos shaped generations' daily lives. It aims to highlight how the Tomos motorcycle was more than just a means of transport—it represented freedom, mobility, and a piece of national identity. Visitors can expect to walk through the story of industrial development, design, youth, nostalgia, and the legacy of a once-thriving manufacturer. The exhibition will remain open until 31 August 2026, accessible during weekdays between 8 AM and 2 PM in the Archivum exhibition space. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own Tomos motorcycles and meet fellow proud owners who share a deep connection with these classic machines.
The exhibition is part of a broader effort to preserve and showcase historical artifacts that reflect the technological and cultural achievements of the past. The Provincial Archives of Maribor have taken on the task of safeguarding significant parts of Tomos's industrial heritage, ensuring that they are not lost to further decay. This initiative underscores the importance of preserving tangible links to the past, especially in industries that played a crucial role in shaping national narratives. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the intricate details of Tomos’s development, from its initial production steps to its transformation into a cultural icon. Through original archival materials and personal accounts, the exhibit provides insight into the company's impact on society and its enduring significance today.
Meanwhile, another exhibition opens in Ljubljana, focusing on the colonial legacy of Tanzania through the lens of a unique collection. The Slovenian Ethnographic Museum (SEM) presents an exhibition titled "Tanzania: Between the Shadow of Colonialism and Contemporary Perspectives." Based on the collection of Antonija Grom and her son Stanko, both of whom lived in Tanzania during the mid-20th century, the exhibit includes over 4,000 photographic records capturing work environments, personal items, and traditional objects. These artifacts provide a detailed account of life in Tanzania during the era of colonial rule and beyond. The exhibition also features a short documentary film created by Tanzanian curator and artist Eliabu Mbonimpa, which explores the historical and contemporary implications of the Grom family's experiences in Tanzania. By connecting the past with the present, the exhibition offers a critical reflection on the lasting effects of colonial exploitation and the resilience of local communities.
Stanko Grom worked in various sectors, including sisal plantations, lead mines, and construction projects, before returning to Slovenia in 1962 due to political changes in Tanzania. His extensive documentation of his time in Africa has become a valuable resource for understanding the socio-economic conditions of the period. The museum collaborated with Mbonimpa to gather testimonies from locals about the impact of colonial enterprises, particularly the sisal plantations in Kizengi and the lead mines in Mpanda. This collaboration enriches the narrative presented in the exhibition, offering multiple perspectives on the complex relationship between colonizers and the colonized.
In addition to these exhibitions, the Albertina Museum in Vienna celebrates its 250th anniversary with a special exhibition titled "Collecting for the Future." The exhibition traces the journey of the Albertina from a private collection of graphic art gifted by Count Giacomo Durazzo in July 1776 to one of the world's most renowned museums. With approximately 1.2 million works, the Albertina has grown from an aristocratic collection to a global institution encompassing drawings, prints, photography, painting, sculpture, installations, and media art. The exhibition highlights key moments in the museum's history, such as the acquisition of Albrecht Dürer's "Young Hare" and works by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. It also raises questions about the future direction of collecting practices and the evolving role of museums in the modern world.
To address these questions, the Albertina has commissioned Italian visual artist and filmmaker Rosa Barba to create a multi-layered film installation exploring the historical dimensions of the museum as a blend of past, present, and future. This project reflects the museum's ongoing commitment to engaging with contemporary issues while maintaining its rich heritage. The exhibition runs until 11 October 2026, providing visitors with an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the Albertina and its vision for the future of art curation and preservation.
3 reports
Ljubljanske noviceIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9015 days agoThe exhibition 'Collection for the Future' commemorates the 250th anniversary of the famous Vienna-based Albertina Museum. The museum began in July 1776 with a gift of 10,000 engravings from Count Giacomo Durazzo to Archduke Albert of Sax-Teschen and his wife Archduchess Maria Christina of Habsburg-Lorraine. Over time, this private collection evolved into one of the world's most significant art museums, housing over 1.2 million works ranging from prints and graphics to photography, painting, sculpture, installations, and media art. The exhibition explores the history of the collection, including who collected, what was collected, where the artworks were stored, how they were presented, and who had access to them. It highlights the role of Archduchess Maria Christina, whose passion for art was crucial to the development of the collection. The exhibition runs until October 11, 2026.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses an art exhibition celebrating the historical development of a major cultural institution. There is no mention of political figures, policies, or contentious issues. The focus is purely on the cultural significance of the Albertina Museum and its evolution over time.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): The article provides detailed and specific information about the 250th anniversary exhibition of the Albertina museum, including historical background, the origins of the collection, and its development over time. The facts align with what would be expected from a reputable cultural institution's pr
RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 92Objective 8018 days agoThe article discusses an exhibition at the Slovene Ethnographic Museum (SEM) titled 'Tanzania: Between the Shadow of Colonialism and Modern Perspectives,' which is based on the collection of items and photographic archive from the former German and later British colony of Tanganyika, now Tanzania. The collection comes from Antonija Grom, who worked in Africa in the 1930s, and her son Stanko Grom, who lived in Tanzania until 1962. The exhibit includes objects and photographs from their time in Tanzania, including items related to work on a sisal plantation and employment in mining and civil工程.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about an ethnographic exhibition without taking a political stance or showing bias toward any particular ideology. It focuses on historical artifacts and personal stories without editorializing or emphasizing political narratives.
Why these scores (Factual 92 · Objective 80): The article accurately describes the Tanzanian collection exhibit at the SEM, providing specific names, locations, and historical context. However, it frames the exhibit through a critical colonial lens, using phrases like 'colonial exploitation' which may introduce bias rather than strictly present
Si21IndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8520 days agoThe article announces an exhibition at the Provincial Archives of Maribor showcasing the history of the Tomos motorcycle brand through archival materials, photographs, blueprints, documents, and memories from the era when Tomos shaped generations' daily lives. The exhibition opens on June 16, 2026, and runs until August 31, 2026.
Bias read (Center): The article is purely informational, announcing an exhibition with no political commentary, framing, or bias. It focuses on cultural heritage and historical documentation without taking a stance on any political issue.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): The article presents factual details about the Tomos exhibition at the Pokrajinski arhiv Maribor, including dates, location, and content of the display. It emphasizes nostalgia and industrial heritage but uses some emotionally charged terms like 'legend' and 'cult' which slightly reduce objectivity.
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