EVENTS

SHOW · GALA EVENING · EXHIBITION · WEDDING · VERNISSAGE · BALL · CHAMPIONSHIP 

Floral Design for a Wedding Ceremony, Jul 2025

For this wedding, we created a conceptual floral installation that transformed both the ceremony and reception spaces into an elegant, harmonious environment. Each composition was designed with sensitivity to the architecture and atmosphere of the day, bringing its own rhythm, fragrance, and spatial balance.

This installation is part of our ongoing exploration of floral scenography as a medium that connects nature, design, and human emotion into one living artwork.


Nitra, milá Nitra, Jul 2025, Author Exhibition "VYRAJA" 

A signature exhibition by Róbert Bartolen during the Nitra, Beloved Nitra celebrations 

(4–6 July 2025)

In the mystical atmosphere of the historic Synagogue in Nitra, an extraordinary space will come to life in July 2025 – VYRAJA 2025, an original floral-artistic exhibition by Róbert Bartolen, inspired by Slavic mythology and spiritual heritage. The exhibition is part of the national cultural event Nitra, Beloved Nitra.

About the Exhibition

VYRAJA is more than an exhibition. It is an immersive journey into the Slavic concept of paradise – a mythical realm of abundance, cycles, and return to one's roots. Floral compositions, designed with a deep sensitivity to symbolism, form, and scent, are interwoven with the presence of ancient gods, forest spirits, water nymphs, and archetypal mythical beings.

Each installation is a visual portal that tells a story through color, texture, and floral movement. In this space, past meets future, and ritual merges with contemporary scenography.

Unique Collaboration

This project brings together renowned Slovak artistic institutions and creators:

  • The Andrej Bagar Theatre in Nitra has provided costumes, props, and scenographic elements.

  • Leading theatre actors (e.g. Eva Pavlíková, Andrea Sabová, Marián Viskup, Nikolett Dékány, and others) portray mythological characters in fine art photographs by Jakub Gulyás.

  • The overall atmosphere is further enriched by works of contemporary Slovak fashion designers, enhancing the connection between history and modern creativity.

Exhibition Opening Hours

Synagogue – Concert and Exhibition Hall of the City of Nitra

4 July 2025

• 17:00 – Official Vernissage

• 22:00 – Nighttime Curated Tour

5 July 2025 | 12:00 – 21:00

6 July 2025 | 12:00 – 21:00

Róbert Bartolen – Author and Visionary

Róbert Bartolen is one of the most recognized figures in world floristry. With over 20 years of international experience in floral design, conceptual creation, and exhibition production, he consistently delivers works that transcend the boundaries of traditional floristry. VYRAJA 2025 is the culmination of his long-term exploration of the connection between floristry, mythology, symbolism, and spatial poetics.

Come and enter VYRAJA.
Step into a world where flowers tell stories, where history meets the future, and where every petal carries the voice of ancient times.

Backstage: First Day of Preparations 

 Backstage: Second Day of Preparations

Opening Gala | Final Day | VYRAJA Exhibition | Lovely Nitra July 2025 


Floral Design for a Wedding Ceremony, Jun, 2025

A SECRET PROJECT IS BLOOMING


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Check back soon to be the first to see it revealed.


Flora Olomouc, Apr 2025, Central Exhibition Parallel Flowers

Pavilion A | Flora Olomouc Exhibition Grounds | April 24–27, 2025

As the lead designers of the prestigious international exhibition Flora Olomouc 2025, we realized the main exhibition concept titled Parallel Flowers. Spanning approximately 1,600 m², this four-day installation transcended traditional floristry by presenting it as a contemporary artistic medium—interweaving spatial storytelling, symbolism, and material experimentation.

The exhibition was curated by Robert Bartolen, an internationally recognized floral designer, who invited 12 emerging Czech glass artists to collaborate on the project. Their original glass works were installed in twelve scenographically designed niches, accompanying the world premiere of 12 new flower cultivars, showcased for the very first time in Olomouc.

Key Elements of the Exhibition

  • Floristry as a form of contemporary art

  • Design and scenography integrating living plant materials, glass, light, and architectural rhythm

  • Interdisciplinary dialogue between florists and glass artists—creators of parallel worlds

  • Evening guided curatorial tour on Friday, April 25 – a multisensory experience enriched by light, music, and dramaturgy

Professional Commentary

"Parallel Flowers presented the flower as an artistic object, a medium of memory, and a vision of the future. A remarkably powerful scenographic gesture."
Czech Design Foundation
"A creative fusion of floristry, contemporary Czech glass, and global trends turned Pavilion A into a gallery of emotion."
Floristikaweb.cz
"Robert Bartolen once again demonstrated that floristry is more than craftsmanship. It is a language that speaks through space and time."
Design Magazine

Participating Glass Artists:

Tomáš Rachúnek, František Jungvirt, Dominika Petrtýlová, Patrik Čech, Johan Pertl, Karolína Vorlíková, Filip Lukavec, Pavlína Šváchová, Josef Divín, Sebastian Kitzberger, Tomáš Kučera, Klára Janypková, Vlastimil Šenkýř

Partners

 Decorum, Inerplant Roses, Vandervalk, Fresh Cap, Monarch Flowers, Montana Lisianthus, Marginpare, Qualily, Coloriginz, XL Tulips, Gia Flowers, J.K. Roses, Future Flowers, Flora Olomouc.


Czech-Slovak Ball, Feb 2025 

On 1st February 2025, the 11th annual Czech-Slovak Ball took place at the Municipal House in Prague, a prestigious social event that brings together Czech and Slovak culture every year. This year's edition was dedicated to several significant anniversaries – 120 years since the birth of Jiří Voskovec and Jan Werich, 100 years since the founding of the Liberated Theatre, and 85 years since the birth of Milan Lasica and Milan Čorba.

Robert Bartolen Design had the honour of being the event's main designer. Our goal was to create an elegant and representative setting that would enhance the festive atmosphere of this prestigious occasion. Every detail was carefully designed to reflect the historical significance and sophistication of this exceptional evening.

The Czech-Slovak Ball 2025 once again reaffirmed its status as the highlight of the ball season, seamlessly blending tradition, culture, and social prestige in the unique setting of Prague's Municipal House.

Photo: Anna Pleslová


Olomouc Design Days, Symposium & Exhibition "Flowers ↔ Mess ↔ Photos",Nov 2024

As part of the Olomouc Design Days 2024 festival, Róbert Bartolen curated a two-part project titled Flowers ↔ Mess ↔ Photos, held at the historic Orangery in Smetanovy sady. This project combined a professional symposium and a public exhibition dedicated to themes of sustainability, upcycling, and interdisciplinary artistic collaboration.


SYMPOSIUM (15–16 November 2024)
Led by internationally renowned floral designer Róbert Bartolen, the symposium gathered selected students of floristry and photography from across the Czech Republic. The florists created floral objects using recycled and surplus materials, while the photographers documented the entire creative process.
The event focused on cross-disciplinary collaboration, encouraging dialogue between emerging creatives from both visual and botanical disciplines.

Participating schools included:
– Secondary Horticultural School Rajhrad
– Horticultural and Technical School Litomyšl
– Mendel University Faculty of Horticulture
– Secondary Vocational School Litovel

EXHIBITION (17–24 November 2024)
Following the symposium, the resulting floral installations were presented to the public in a curated exhibition within the same venue. Visitors could explore not only the physical arrangements but also projected photo documentation from the creation process. The display offered insight into the beauty and potential of working with sustainable materials in contemporary floristry.

Flowers ↔ Mess ↔ Photos was a highlight of the Olomouc Design Days festival and marked another step in Róbert Bartolen's long-term mission to connect floristry with education, ecological values, and the language of contemporary art.

Orangery, Smetanovy sady, Olomouc
15–24 November 2024
Collaboration with selected Czech horticultural and art schools
Photography: Michael Vinš
Video Production: Michael Vinš


Author's Vernissage – Rozkvetlé památky, Olomouc, CZ, Oct 2024

As part of the Rozkvetlé památky project, we created an original floral scenographic installation inside the historic Red Church, in collaboration with the Scientific Library in Olomouc. Open from 3 to 13 October 2024, the installation delicately merged Gothic architecture with the natural poetics of contemporary floral art.

The central idea was to introduce modern floral aesthetics into a sacred space, creating a visual dialogue between history, nature, and the language of contemporary design. All compositions were made exclusively from local and seasonal flowers.

The exhibition included a live floral performance and vernissage with Róbert Bartolen, which took place on Friday, 4 October 2024 at 17:00. Admission was free.

 Photographer: Michael Vinš
Video: Michael Vinš
Organizer: Výstaviště Flora Olomouc


Bohemian Rainbow Tour – Floral Show Querétaro & Monterrey, Aug 2024

In August 2024, two floral shows were held in the Mexican cities of Querétaro and Monterrey as part of the international Bohemian Rainbow Tour. The concept and live floral performance were created and presented by Róbert Bartolen, in collaboration with OASIS and the Instituto Mexicano Técnico Floral.

The first show took place on 22 August 2024 at Hotel Real de Minas Tradicional in Querétaro. The programme ran from 10:00 to 17:00 and featured floral demonstrations, creative insight sharing, and a professional presentation of current floral design trends. The event was open to both floral design students and the professional public.

The second show followed in Monterrey, adapting the core concept introduced in Querétaro to reflect the local audience. Both presentations offered a clear perspective on contemporary floristry and showcased Róbert Bartolen's distinct international design language.


Miss Slovensko, Long-term Floral Collaboration, Jan 2013 - Present

Since January 2013, Robert Bartolen has been the principal floral designer for Miss Slovensko, creating original floral works that define the visual identity of this national event. His role encompasses the complete floral concept for gala evenings, stage designs, and, most prominently, the authorial bouquets presented to the winners.

Bartolen's signature bouquets are inspired by Slovak nature, meadows, and wildflowers, capturing the essence of the Slovak landscape and femininity. His design philosophy combines authenticity with deep cultural and natural symbolism, aiming to spiritually connect Slovak flowers with the spirit of Miss Slovensko and celebrate womanhood as an integral part of nature.

In addition to bouquets, Bartolen often collaborates on floral installations for venues, enhancing the atmosphere of gala events and broadcasts. His longstanding contribution to Miss Slovensko also reflects his broader connection to fashion and aesthetics. For example, he previously designed a gown for Denisa Mendrejová for Miss Universe, demonstrating his multidisciplinary approach that bridges floristry, fashion, and art.

This ongoing collaboration underlines his commitment to showcasing Slovak identity through floral artistry on the country's most prestigious stages. 


Calendar 2024, Apr 2023 

Introducing my original author's calendar for the year 2024. The calendar will be available for online purchase, and we will share the purchase link in a separate post. We managed to capture the photographs in the distant city of Rotterdam back in the month of April, and we have kept it under wraps until now.

General partner: Flomoni

Photo: Robert Peek.

Graphic designer: Adam Dúbravec.

Partners 


Author Exhibition "Mirroring of Periods"
House of Art Gallery, Bratislava, Dec 2023

9–10 December 2023

A solo exhibition by Róbert Bartolen, "Mirroring of Periods" was presented in the House of Art in Bratislava and invited visitors into a contemplative floral scenography that explored the passage of time, memory, and personal transformation.

At the heart of the installation stood monumental wax structures surrounded by clouds of Gypsophila, symbolizing ephemeral purity and silent ritual. The project reflected a deep poetic atmosphere, where natural materials and spatial rhythm shaped a meditative environment rooted in emotion and inner stillness.

This installation is part of our ongoing artistic exploration of floristry as a medium of personal reflection, spatial poetry, and conceptual design.


Show & Workshop, Iberiada 2023, Oct 2023

In October 2023, the Iberiada 2023 show and workshop took place in Puebla, Mexico, organized by the Escuela Iberoamericana de Arte Floral EIAF. This unique event brought together florists from across Latin America to share their knowledge, experience, and passion for floral art. The invitation was extended by Roxana Barrientos, and Andrea Ondrus provided invaluable cooperation and translation assistance during the program.

Over the course of five days, participants immersed themselves in creative floral demonstrations and workshops that celebrated Iberian floral traditions with contemporary techniques. Iberiada 2023 became a platform for cultural exchange and professional growth, fostering new ideas within the international floristry community.

Photo: Emilio Navarro Bellido 


FLORAL SHOW – The Future of Floristry, Jan 2023

In January 2023, Robert Bartolen presented "The Future of Floristry" floral show at Vonekl Brno, Czech Republic. This unique performance introduced an unconventional fusion of flora with modern technology and aesthetics, creating an immersive experience for the audience.

The show explored the power of colour, using fluorescent tones combined with natural materials to emphasise texture, structure, and dynamic movement. Each floral object was carefully composed to highlight not only the beauty of flowers themselves but also the volumes and proportions within the design, enhancing viewers' perception of detail and material contrast.

Throughout the performance, four elements were seamlessly intertwined – time, space, the dancer, and the relationship between the artist and audience – resulting in an evocative and contemporary interpretation of floral art as a multisensory experience.

Suppliers included Decorum Company and Montana Lisianthus. The production was realised in collaboration with Shotby.us and Vlado Vojtela.


Expert Lecture – Future of Floristry, Aug 2022

In August 2022, Robert Bartolen presented an expert lecture titled "Future of Floristry" at the EUROPA CUP opening ceremony in Katowice, Poland. Organised by FLORINT (International Florist Organisation), this 2.5-hour lecture introduced innovative perspectives on the evolution of floral design in Europe and globally.

The presentation explored themes of sustainability, digital transformation, and new artistic directions, inspiring florists to embrace modern approaches while maintaining respect for floral traditions. The EUROPA CUP audience appreciated the visionary content, which resonated deeply with professionals dedicated to advancing the craft of floristry.

THE FLORAL INSTALLATION AND DECORATION, THE OCCASION OF THE VISITE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS, 2021 SLOVAKIA


The visit of the Pope to Slovakia in 2021 was a significant event, bringing together thousands of people and spreading a message of peace and unity. The Pope visited several cities, including Bratislava, where a large Holy Mass was held, attended by many believers. The artistic decoration for this event was created by the talented artist Robert Bartolen, whose work was impressive and inspiring. His pieces emphasized spirituality and the symbolism of faith, creating unique artistic compositions. The visit of the Pope brought joy and hope to all participants, reminding them of the importance of unity and cooperation. The artistic decoration by Robert Bartolen contributed to the atmosphere of reverence and spirituality during the event. Overall, the Pope's visit to Slovakia in 2021 was a historic moment, strengthening faith and showcasing the spiritual traditions of the country.

The main condition for the decoration was that it could be reused after the event. The decoration was completely dismantled and distributed by Robert Bartolen's team to various churches in Slovakia.



Vernissage – SONGS OF HOME, Jul 2021

In July 2021, the vernissage "SONGS OF HOME" took place in Nitra, Slovakia. This artistic event brought together the talents of Lukas Moravsky, Maros Petic, and Eva Barathova, with floral installations by Robert Bartolen complementing other artistic media to create an immersive experience.

The exhibition explored the theme of home, memory, and belonging, expressed through multidisciplinary artworks that engaged visitors on sensory, emotional, and intellectual levels.


SLAVIC RITUALS vol. 3, Mar 2020 – Jun 2023

Between March 2020 and June 2023, SLAVIC RITUALS vol. 3 completed Robert Bartolen's triptych honouring Slavic rituals, nature, and timeless cultural symbols. As the final part of this three-year-long journey, vol. 3 merged the essence of previous chapters into a culminating artistic statement.

This collection embodies celebration, transformation, and the eternal cycles of life. It encourages viewers to immerse themselves in the midsummer rituals, ignite fires of inspiration, and surrender to the guiding winds of creativity and heritage.

Robert Bartolen expressed his profound gratitude to the team of 20 people who helped materialise this dream into reality. SLAVIC RITUALS vol. 3 represents his largest and most ambitious artistic production, marking a milestone in his creative career.

Special thanks to Jakub Gulyás photography.


SLAVIC RITUALS vol. 2, Feb 2020 – Jun 2023

From February 2020 to June 2023, SLAVIC RITUALS vol. 2 emerged as the second chapter of Robert Bartolen's triptych exploring Slavic cultural roots. This photographic and artistic series expanded upon the visual language established in vol. 1, delving deeper into rituals, symbols, and the natural forms that shape Slavic identity.

The collection invites viewers to immerse themselves in the rhythm of seasons, to ignite the fires within, and to celebrate the unbreakable bond between humans and nature. It is a reminder of where we come from and the ancestral wisdom carried within each of us.

Robert Bartolen described this project as an endless well of inspiration, made possible by the dedicated team of 20 people who supported his vision with skill, patience, and artistry.

Special thanks to Natalia Jablonkova photography.


SLAVIC RITUALS vol. 1, Jan 2020 – Jun 2023

Between January 2020 and June 2023, Robert Bartolen created SLAVIC RITUALS vol. 1, the first part of his monumental triptych honouring the essence of Slavic nature and rituals. This collection blended ancient traditions with contemporary floral design, revealing the mystical and timeless aspects of Slavic culture.

The project immerses viewers in the celebration of the solstice, igniting midsummer fires in their hearts and allowing them to be carried away by the wind. It evokes a deep connection to the earth, cycles of nature, and the energy that flows through all life.

Robert Bartolen expressed immense gratitude to the team of 20 people who helped realise this vision – the largest artistic production of his career to date. SLAVIC RITUALS vol. 1 stands as a testament to the power of collective creativity and the timeless beauty of Slavic heritage.

Special thanks to Natalia Jablonkova photography.


Slovak National Theatre – 100th Anniversary Gala Floral Installation, Mar 2020

On 1 March 2020, the Slovak National Theatre (SND) in Bratislava hosted a ceremonial gala to commemorate its 100th anniversary. The event, titled …tak sme my…, was broadcast nationally on RTVS Jednotka.

The stage was designed by Milan Ferenčík, with direction by Jozef Dolinský and costumes by Dávid Janošek. Dramaturgy was curated by Miriam Kičiňová and Marek Mokoš. All three SND ensembles – opera, ballet, and drama – participated in the performance.

Floral design was executed in visual dialogue with the scenography, using fresh botanical materials. The arrangement emphasized the ceremonial tone of the evening and complemented the historical architecture of the venue.


Protocol Ball of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Jan 2020

Following the successful collaboration in 2019, the team of Róbert Bartolen was once again entrusted with the complete visual and floral design for the Protocol Ball of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic in the following year.

The overall design for 2020 built on previous experience while introducing a new level of formal elegance and contemporary artistic language. Both scenography and floral compositions worked with a distinctive concept of color symbolism, rhythm, and architectural division of space. Emphasis was placed on representativeness, subtle opulence, and visual clarity, all contributing to the festive atmosphere of the evening.

As in the previous edition, the aim was to create a harmonious environment that would respectfully accompany the international diplomatic program while offering a strong visual identity aligned with current aesthetic standards. The result was an elegant composition in which flowers, light, movement, and space formed a thoughtful visual framework for this exceptional occasion.


Protocol Ball of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Jan 2019

The Protocol Ball of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic in 2019 was one of the most prominent diplomatic events of the season. The overall visual concept, creative direction, production, and floral design were overseen by floral designer Róbert Bartolen and his team.

The project integrated the ceremonial nature of the event with a refined visual identity, combining floristry, scenography, and atmospheric management. The floral compositions were carefully selected to reflect the representational character of the venue and the dignity of the diplomatic setting.

The final execution demonstrated a comprehensive design approach to the realization of a prestigious cultural event within the framework of international diplomatic protocol.


Prešporský bál, January 2019 – Protocol Ball, Creative Supervision and Floral Decoration

In 2019, Róbert Bartolen took part in the preparation of Prešporský bál, a socially significant protocol event held in Bratislava. His team provided full creative supervision of the event's visual presentation – from overall scenic design and production to the floral concept and execution.

The floral compositions were based on the requirements of high-level representation and formal aesthetics, combining natural materials with thoughtful spatial composition. The décor was designed to dignify the festive atmosphere of the event while visually unifying the different parts of the programme.

This project was part of Róbert Bartolen's ongoing collaboration with diplomatic and ceremonial institutions.


Bratislava Ball, January 2018 – Protocol Ball of the Capital, Full Creative Direction

In 2018, Róbert Bartolen and his team took part in the realisation of the prestigious Bratislava Ball, one of the most significant social events held in the historic centre of Slovakia's capital.

The team was responsible for the event's complete visual concept – from creative supervision and scenography to production oversight and floral decoration. The floral arrangements were designed with a strong emphasis on elegance, spatial harmony, and a fusion of traditional elements with a modern aesthetic. Every detail of the décor reflected the festive character of the ball while clearly bearing the signature of Bartolen's distinctive floral style.

The event continued a longstanding collaboration with protocol institutions and further confirmed Róbert Bartolen's prominent position in the field of ceremonial and diplomatic event design.


Victoria Regia – The Championship in Flower Arrangements, Jan 2018

In January 2018, Robert Bartolen participated in the prestigious Victoria Regia Championship in Flower Arrangements in Slovakia, achieving 2nd place in the professional category. This competition tested florists' creativity, technical skill, and artistic vision through multiple challenging disciplines.

His success at Victoria Regia confirmed his position among the leading floral designers in Slovakia and Central Europe, reinforcing his commitment to pushing floristry beyond conventional boundaries.