In the historic centre of Prešov stands Bosákova banka, a building that harbours the story of one of the most successful Slovaks in America. The Michal Bosák exhibition, which opened in 2026, provides an insight into the life of Michal Bosák – a native of Okrúhle who, at the age of sixteen, set off for the New World, started out as a miner and gradually worked his way up to become a successful businessman and banker.
An exhibition at the Regional Museum in Prešov links Bosák’s personal story with the theme the emigration of Slovaks and Rusyns to the United States of America. Among its main attractions are an original ten-dollar banknote bearing Bosák’s signature, a period bank’s office, and authentic artefacts from the lives of Slovak emigrants.
The exhibition was organised by the Prešov Self-Governing Region through the Regional Museum in Prešov, in collaboration with Martin Javor, director of the Kasigarda Museum of Emigration.
From Okrúhle, across the ocean
Michal Bosák’s life journey began in the small village of Okrúhle in north-eastern Slovakia. At the age of sixteen, he left for the United States, where he initially earned a living doing manual labour. He gradually moved into business and later entered the world of finance and banking.
The exhibition traces his journey from his native Šariš, through his early years in America, right up to the period greatest business successes. Visitors will find banking documents, period advertising materials and items related to his business. Amongst other things, there are containers bearing the brand name Bosak’s Wine, which point out that Bosák’s activities were not limited to banking alone.
The banker whose signature appeared on US dollars
The most interesting part of Bosák’s story relates to the American banking sector. As president First National Bank of Olyphant He had the authority to sign the banknotes issued by that bank – the five-, ten- and twenty-dollar notes.
Among the rarest items in the exhibition are therefore an original ten-dollar banknote signed by Michal Bosák. It is on display in the original safe at Bosák’s House and is one of those exhibits that are well worth spending a little extra time looking at.
Take a look inside Bosák’s office
It is not just the exhibits that make for an experience, but also the premises themselves. The tour includes Bosák’s original office, with its original wooden panelling, furnished with Art Nouveau furniture from eastern Slovakia and period artefacts. The atmosphere of the era is complemented by a portrait of Michal Bosák by Július Török.
The following also attract attention school desks from Okrúhle. They highlight Bosák’s connection to his native region, which he never forgot even after achieving success in America. In his home village had a school built.
When people left eastern Slovakia for America
Michal Bosák’s story is also the story of thousands of people who, at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, left eastern Slovakia in search of a better life across the ocean.
The second part of the exhibition therefore explores The phenomenon of Slovak and Rusyn emigration to the USA. Trunk suitcases, travel documents, period newspapers, chronicles, association ribbons and membership cards show how emigrants travelled, formed communities and associations, whilst maintaining ties with their homeland.
Some of the authentic artefacts come from the collections of the Kasigarda Emigration Museum.
Bosák’s bank is an exhibit in its own right
When you visit, it’s worth looking at more than just the display cases. The historic Bosák Bank building It is an important part of the whole story.
It was founded in the years 1923–1924 It was built for the Prešov branch of the American-Slovak Bank and is one of the most striking architectural landmarks in the centre of Prešov. The stately premises, original interior features and the bank’s office create an environment in which Michal Bosák’s story is told with exceptional authenticity.
When viewing the building from the outside, take particular note of the corner domes and the richly decorated façade. The building features allegorical figures and motifs symbolising prosperity, thrift, science and technological progress.
Practical information
- Location: Bosák Bank, in the centre of Prešov, at the junction of Hlavná and Levočská Streets
- Exhibition: Michal Bosák and emigration to America
- Administrator: Prešov Regional Museum
- Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm.
- Tip: Before you set off, please check the current opening hours and conditions at the operator’s premises
The new exhibition is the first cultural use of the Bosák Bank premises following their full transfer to the ownership of the Prešov Self-Governing Region. The Region also anticipates that this historic building will gradually come to host other activities and serve as a venue for showcasing the history of the town and the region.
