The artists Fraňo Štefunko, Stanislav Bíroš and Ladislav Berák are the authors of sculptures of important figures in the history of the Slovak nation. 

 

Fraňo Štefunko sculpted the following busts:

Stefan Moyses (1971),

Karol Kuzmány (1971), 

Ján Francisci-Rimavský (1972)

Viliam Pauliny-Tóth (1972),

František Víťazoslav Sasinek (1972)

Jozef Škultéty (1970), 

Štefan Krčméry.

 

Stanislav Bíroš made a bust of Laco Novomeský and Ladislav Berák portrayed Jozef Cíger-Hronský.

 

The gallery of important personalities consists of metal busts on dark grey pedestals made of marble from Lipová. This material merges seamlessly with the transverse strips in the floor at the curved base of each pedestal. The spatial impression is further enhanced by the rhythm of the columns, which alternate stainless steel and orange cladding. Along with the Golden Thread relief, these are the only works of art in the interior which have been placed according to the original architectural design.

Fraňo Štefunko was born on 4 August 1903 in Dudváh-Vlčkovce (Trnava District, present-day Slovakia). This important Slovak sculptor and teacher was one of the founders of Slovak sculpture. He drew attention to his artistic talent through his activities as an amateur scenic designer. In 1928 he participated in the restoration of St Vitus Cathedral in Prague. He later settled in Martin, and from 1949 to 1971 he was a professor of monumental sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava. During his lifetime, he created numerous statues and monuments. He died on 6 April 1974 in Martin. 

Stanislav Bíroš was a Slovak sculptor, painter, graphic artist and art educator. He was born on 12 November 1901 in Bytča (present-day Slovakia). He studied sculpture at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague from 1921 to 1927. He initially created works of small formats (drawings, graphic designs, small sculptures) alongside his teaching work; later he dedicated himself to monumental works, portrait sculptures and medal making. His portraits of national historic figures, writers and scientists capture the psychology of personality. He died on 16 September 1983 in his native Bytča.

Ladislav Berák was born in Trenčín (present-day Slovakia) on 7 June 1938. From 1953 to 1957 he studied at the Secondary School of Arts in Bratislava. Later he continued at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava. His sculptural work consists primarily of portraits and realistic work. His works can be found almost all over Slovakia. He died on 15 August 2018 and is buried in Žilina.