The Business Academy of Dr. M. Hodža, completed in 1936, is considered one of the most important gems of Slovak architecture built in the mid-1930s. It was the first larger and socially significant building in the Horná Sihoť district of Trenčín. It became a symbol of the city’s future prospects and economic prosperity, both for Trenčín and Slovakia.
At the time, it was the most modern school building in Slovakia, equipped with teaching aids such as typewriters and calculating machines.
Excellent spatial and lighting conditions, functional design and refined details reflect the talent of architect Ferdinand Silberstein – Silvan. As he himself recalled:
“I won the competition for the building of the Business Academy in Trenčín… my innovative design received so much recognition that I became a well-known architect.”
Due to a lack of finances, the city began construction only in 1935, and the new building was completed the following year. The building of the Business Academy is listed in the Central Register of Cultural Monuments of Slovakia.
Ferdinand Silberstein – Silvan
Ing. arch. Ferdinand Silberstein – Silvan (21 December 1902, Sereď – 24 November 1983, Sydney) entered the architectural history of Trenčín at the beginning of the 1930s as a mature and experienced architect. He worked for architect Michal Milan Harminc in Bratislava and already had several successful building designs after graduating in Prague.
In 1929, he left Harminc’s firm and established his own architectural practice, which he ran for nine years. He also received commissions from well-known builders and friends from Trenčín.
“It was the time of the global economic crisis and the outlook was not very promising, but I managed to obtain several small commissions from friends, especially in smaller towns, and I was satisfied with them,” Silberstein described the situation.
He had already achieved several successful placements in architectural competitions. According to his designs, three villas, five apartment buildings, three schools, one multifunctional municipal building (the Municipal Savings Bank on Mierové Square) and several smaller public buildings were constructed, in addition to later projects realized in Australia.
Due to his Jewish origin, he designed under colleagues’ names during the war. In 1945 he adopted the surname Silvan. His brothers adopted the name as well.
After the war, in 1946, he worked as a clerk at the Central Social Insurance Office in Bratislava. He used the income to continue his architectural work. Although he designed several buildings there, he soon ended his professional activity in Slovakia. Because of the unfavorable political situation, he decided to emigrate to Australia. As an emigrant, his name was not mentioned in books, magazines or encyclopedias for nearly 30 years.
Only in recent years has the name Silberstein–Silvan been rediscovered, also in connection with building activity in Trenčín. This renewed interest resulted in the construction of a memorial dedicated to the architect in the city district where he contributed most to development – Sihoť.
It is a simple stone block on a metal base, reflecting the clean geometric forms typical of Functionalist architecture.
In 2025, the building underwent a comprehensive reconstruction focused on energy optimization and digital modernization.
Open: The interior of the Business Academy of Dr. M. Hodža can be visited by prior arrangement with the school administration.
Contact:
Obchodná akadémia Milana Hodžu Trenčín
Martina Rázusa 1, 911 29 Trenčín
Tel.: +421 (0)32 748 18 12
E-mail: info@oa-tn.sk
Web: oa-tn.edupage.org