Sklop Art Bench stands on Jewish Square in Maribor's old town, between the synagogue and the Jewish Tower. Designed by architect Janko Rožič, it was unveiled on 21 December 2016 as the ninth bench in the Stories of Benches and People project. Made of metal and wood, its elliptical form curves around a tree in the square.
The bench recalls a timber raft on the Drava and can also serve as a small stage. Two stones are incorporated into the design: tonalite from Pohorje and sandstone from Kozjak. They represent the mountain ranges and hills between which Maribor developed, connecting the artwork with the surrounding landscape and the river.
Its position between the medieval synagogue and the former defensive tower brings together different layers of the square's history. Designed for sitting, meeting and occasional performances, the bench is part of the Židovska Cultural Quarter, where historic architecture, photography and contemporary art share the same public space.
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2000 Maribor