Three visions of Sombor’s Art Square – Polyfunctional space connecting cultural institutions

The City of Sombor has recently announced the winners of the contest for the design of the planned new Art Square in this city.

As the jury said, the three shortlisted works offer good solutions to the contest task: a polyfunctional space which connects cultural institutions and organizations located in the Grasalkovic Palace. They also successfully connect the Holy Trinity Square with the area of the former Chapel of John of Nepomuk and the Kosta Trifkovic Square.

First prize

Architects Vanja Miljkovic and Jelena Petrovic won first prize.

The basic concept and space composition consist of three circles, three conceptual units, interlinked by paved asymmetric linear connections. As said in the description, the idea of the “Three Circles” concept originates in the legend of the construction of the Grasalkovic Palace, which says that two silver coins and a golden one were placed next to the foundation stone.

The first circle is a podium, taking a central place on the square, and meant as the main summer stage for open air programs and the main gathering place. The design includes bleachers around the podium.

The second, smaller circle is a place for memorial monuments, from which a linear space stretches, featuring a range of concrete “screens”, four of which are dedicated to Count Anton Grasalkovic, Franz Josef Redl, Paul Krusper and Mihaly Urmenyi.

The third circle is the starting point for a space intended for exhibits. Structures forming silhouettes of Vojvodina-type houses, arranged in parallel lines, are meant for panel displays within various thematic exhibits.

Second prize

The team of architects Milena Zindovic and Rista Dobrijevic won second prize. As said in the description, the Art Square is a new multifunctional urban space in Sombor.

This space is an open extension of the cultural programs of the surrounding institutions, such as the Cultural Palace and the National Theater, as well as all other cultural events held in the city. Defined by the dimensions and the architecture of the surrounding buildings, with all the characteristics of a classicist square, this Art Square provides the possibility of creating an essentially urban space, which will be successfully used in various scenarios.



For this reason, in addition to an open space without barriers, which is necessary for a successful transformation in line with the functional requirements, environments need to be planned that will make it enjoyable outside festival and cultural events, at any time.

The plan for the Art Square includes monuments to the people who were involved in the raising of the Grasalkovic Palace, but also the development of modern Sombor, namely: Anton Grasalkovic, Franz Josef Redl, Paul Krusper and Mihaly Urmenyi.

Third prize

Milan Ivanovic and Dusan Grujovic won third prize. The functional division of the square forms several conceptual units, recognized as the reference points of this space, the description says.



These are the structural porch along the Grasalkovic Palace, the fountain, the multifunctional podium along the library, the outdoor library, the memorial to Count Anton Grasalkovic and the access ramp and stairwell.

Aleksandra Kekic

Grad Sombor

City of Sombor

Vanja Miljković

Jelena Petrović

Milena Zindović

Rista Dobrijević

Milan Ivanović

Dušan Grujović

Art Square

Holy Trinity Square

Grašalković Palace

Chapel of John of Nepomuk

Kosta Trifković Square

Cultural Palace

National Theater

Anton Grašalković

Franz Josef Redl

Paul Krusper

Mihaly Urmenyi

monuments