Ave triumphator! stands in Maribor City Park, on the path from Rožni Hill towards the children's playground. Designed by Miha Kuhar, it was unveiled on 12 November 2017 as the eleventh art bench in the Stories of Benches and People project. The bronze work honours Olympic gymnast Leon Štukelj, whose life was closely connected with Maribor.
The artwork is an exact cast of the original park bench where Štukelj liked to sit, read and sometimes exercise. It occupies the same spot as the earlier bench. It includes casts of his personal gymnastics rings, his signature and the Olympic greeting “Ave triumphator!”. These details make it a personal memorial rather than simply a place to sit.
The bench also invites activity. Its gymnastic rings can be used for movement and play, especially by children and young people. Along a park walkway, it combines rest, design and sporting heritage. As part of Maribor's collection of unique art benches, it preserves a small but distinctive part of Štukelj's everyday life.
Contact
2000 Maribor