9. 10. 2025–19. 10. 2025 Architectual and artistic interventions for Račji dvor

Architectual and artistic interventions for Račji dvor 
Račji dvor, Raški dol 1
9–19 October 2025
opening: Thursday, 9 October 2025, 16:00

authors: Ishak Hadžibajrić, Žiga Miholič, Maša Perc in Lena Uranjek

As part of the two-day event Architecture in transformation: Račji dvor between history and the future, two architectural and artistic interventions were presented in the Račji Dvor area. Selected as part of the European project reCITYing, they explore how the historic space of Račji dvor can be revitalized and invite visitors to actively experience it.

The interventions are part of the European project reCITYing. Reactivating Abandoned Spaces in Urban Centers with Architecture and Art, which brings together partners from Maribor, Genoa, Barcelona, Hanover, and Montpellier, and is co-financed by the European Union. The project aims to promote diverse creative practices and activities that support the reuse and reactivation of abandoned, empty, and inaccessible spaces in urban centers.

Where Are You Hidding, Račji dvor?
authors: Lena Uranjek and Ishak Hadžibajrić 
The young architectural team from Maribor and Sarajevo intervenes the Račji dvor estate with their artistic intervention in a lyrical and playful manner. Sheets stretched across main spots surrounding the mansion form an interactive map that invites adults passing by to explore the space and younger visitors to play hide and seek. The rows of white sheets serve as both a visual and physical barrier, obscuring the view while inviting passage; they are tactile elements that evoke memories of summer days spent outdoors and childlike playfulness. Equipped with pictograms and historical facts, they form a dynamic border around the mansion. Our usual walk under Kalvarija is transformed into an experience of play and playfulness.

Palette of Activities 638 497/3
authors: Maša Perc and Žiga Miholič
Two young Maribor residents, both architecture students, focus their intervention on the area around Račji dvor and the activities most commonly practiced there—walking, running, and relaxing in nature. The walk from the city center to Mitnica, along the tree-lined avenue, past Račji dvor and under Kalvarija back to the city park is a Maribor "classic." By placing wooden elements on the lawn and a sports surface on the concrete platform in front of the mansion, the authors invite visitors to the temporary outdoor gym and one of the most beautiful and relaxing areas of the estate.

program concept: Simona Vidmar Čelik, Stojan Skalicky, Tina Rudolf, Živa Kleindienst
production: Maribor Art Gallery
programme partner: Municipality of Maribor
in collaboration with: Maribor Biotechnical School, Department of Architecture FGPA University of Maribor, Studio Arhisol 

The program was made possible by Creative Europe programme of the European Comission with the support of the Ministry of Culture.