On Thursday, September 24, 2026, the VIKTOR MARKELJ – BRIDGES exhibition opened in the gallery at the Slovenska Bistrica Castle, presenting the creative path and rich oeuvre of Dr. Viktor Markelj. The exhibition will be on display until March 15, 2027.At the opening, the audience was greeted by the author of the installation and curator of the exhibition, architect Nande Korpnik, professor at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering and Architecture, University of Maribor, Dr. Viktor Markelj, partner, managing director and senior bridge designer of Ponting Bridges, Dr. Ivan Žagar, mayor of the Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica, and a representative of the Slovenska Bistrica Institute for Culture.
The exhibition presents the work and oeuvre of structural engineer Dr. Viktor Markelj, whose bridges have made a significant contribution to the Slovenian and international engineering landscape. A bridge is not merely a technical structure that spans obstacles and distances; it is also a symbol of connection and dialogue between nature, technology and people. The exhibition brings together innovation, structural precision and spatial integration, reflecting the principles of large-scale construction in both natural and urban environments.
At the opening, Dr. Markelj presented the key milestones of his 45-year journey as a designer and thanked his family, colleagues and design teams who significantly contributed to the realization of numerous projects:
“Project managers and designers Dušan Rožič, Rok Mlakar, and Jernej Maher; designers Irena Košti Vuherer, Miha Marinič, Simon Sever, Urban Hribernik, Angel Machevski, and Mihael Malačič; and former colleagues Gregor Cipot, Rihard Kovačič, Franc Pukšič, Milena Karner, and Anton Karner have significantly contributed to the successful implementation of the projects with their professional knowledge, effort and dedication. Without such a dedicated and selfless team, these plans would not have been possible to realize. My sincere gratitude to everyone.”A comprehensive publication, Viktor Markelj / Bridges – Mostovi, was also published on the occasion of the exhibition, highlighting the work of Dr. Markelj, his most significant bridges and complex structures, showcasing his innovative engineering approaches. It also features an interview where he shares insights into his work, design experiences, and engineering philosophy.
The publication was edited by Mag. Andrej Sopotnik, the authors of the texts are Dr. Viktor Markelj, Mag. Andrej Sopotnik and the Chamber of Engineers of Slovenia, and it was designed by Helena Fras. The photographs in the publication and at the exhibition are the work of various photographers and also the author of the projects.
Dr. Markelj’s notable bridges include the Ada Bridge in Belgrade (2012), the Puh Bridge in Ptuj (2007), the pedestrian drawbridge in Gdańsk (2017), the Bridge over the Mura River (2003) and the Pesnica Railway Viaduct (2023). A winner of many awards for his engineering expertise and a lecturer that passes the knowledge to future generations at University of Maribor.
Event details:
- Location: Gallery in Slovenska Bistrica Castle, Grajska ulica 11, 2310 Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenia
- Exhibition dates: September 24, 2026 – March 15, 2027
