Art & Literature

SKOPJE’S HIDDEN GEMS

by Jasmina Markovska

If you are first time in Skopje, you probably already received  information and advice about what to see and do in the capital of a country known for its warm-hearted citizens, good food and interesting tradition. If you’ve been living in the city for some time, perhaps you have visited the main attractions and places of interest. That is why we selected some hidden gems in Skopje – places with a specific quality, where you can feed your soul and good taste while having a relaxing time. We have chosen places which are constantly offering something new and inspiring.

FOR ART LOVERS

Acanthus Gallery

Located in the bustling Debar Maalo district, yet in a very quiet space, art lovers can find the Acanthus Gallery. This is a place where many aspiring, young artists organize their first exhibitions, so in the same time this is a great way to discover new talent on the scene. Different types of exhibitions and events have taken place in this creative space –modern art exhibits, ceramics, jewelry and fashion pop-up stores, literary readings…As a beautiful addition to the gallery is the small, magical garden in the back, wonderful for relaxation and contemplation. Currently, in Acanthus you can check out the exhibition “Croquis in the Garden” with works of Macedonian artists, inspired by Macedonian and European literature.

Location: OrceNikolov Str. 99, 1000 Skopje

Working Hours: 11:00-21:00h

Find out more 

Museum of Contemporary Art

Set on a medieval fortress, the building of the Museum of Contemporary art overlooks the city of Skopje. Vast space with plenty of natural light, the building follows late modernism architecture and is a symbol of Skopje’s renewal after the devastating earthquake in 1963. The Museum of Contemporary art is home of an exquisite international and national modern art collection and host to many exhibitions and events in the field of art, photography and architecture. Additionally, this is a place where performances, screenings of videos, panel discussions and variety of other events take place.

Not only the inner part of the museum is inspiring and beautiful, but also the terrace with panoramic view is great for open air events. Family events often take place during the day, and on summer evenings DJ sets, cocktail parties and other gatherings are organized.

Current exhibitions in the Muesum of Contemporary art include VelimirZhernovski’s “Beyond the Blackness”, Del La Grace Volcano with CORPUS QUEER: Bodies of Resistance 1980-2018 and Freeingspace at the 16th Biennale in Venice.

Location: Samoilova br.17Skopje 1000

Working Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 09:00 – 17:00h/ Sunday 09:00 – 13:00h

Find out more

 

FOR COFFEE LOVERS

Drip Coffee

Whether you are one of those people who can’t start the day without a good cup of coffee or you enjoy it during any time of the day, this is a place where you will enjoy coffee prepared with love and attention which immediately reflects in its taste. Drip Coffee is a small cafeteria where the owners create real “coffee magic”. Unlike many busy coffee shops with a lot of people and just ordinary coffee, in this calm place you can get tasty coffees prepared by two coffee enthusiasts. They serve Arabica coffee from Brazil, Burundi, Indonesia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Tansania…The coffee laboratory is equipped with high quality equipment for making the most of each blend.

The coffee is not only tasty, but also served with a lot of taste –cups with retro touch and typical Macedonian sweet confection (слатко) made of figs, as addition.

Location: Elisie Popovski Marko 10 local 5, Skopje

Working Hours: Monday –Friday 7:30-18:00h/ Saturday 09:00-15:00h/ Sunday closed

Find out more

 

FOR MORNING PEOPLE

Joy café & bakery

Corresponding with its name, Joy café is all about bringing joy and sunshine even on gloomy days. No matter whether you stop by to get your take away coffee for work or you have some time to spend in the colorful, super cozy interior, Joy café will make the start of your day delightful. Delicious pastry with a broad palette to choose from and many types of coffees are offered so even the pickiestones will find their favorite drink. Besides the pastry, several dishes and soups are on the menu every day together with smoothies, juices and Joy’s home made bread. Upon request, vegetarian and vegan products can be provided as well.

Location: Nikola Tesla 9A, Skopje

Working Hours: Monday – Saturday7:00-21:00h/ Sunday 09:00-16:00h

Find out more

FOR CHOCOLATE LOVERS

Chocol’art

Belgian chocolate, quality and taste which resembles home prepared cakes and pralines – a unique combination which makes Chocol’art one of the favorite places for everyone and especially for those with a sweet tooth. What makes Chocol’art cakes and cookies special is not only their exquisite flavor, but also the delicacy with which they are made and packed and the attention to detail in every step of this amazing culinary experience.

If you visit Chocol’art we recommend the milk chocolate and peppermint pralines, the orange mousse cake, the delicious eclairs and the sweet/salty almonds.

Location: Naum Naumovski Borce (near Jukebox club)

Working Hours: Monday – Friday 09:00-20:00h/ Saturday 10:30-18:30h/ Sunday closed

Find out more

UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Error Kolektiv concept store

If you are in Skopje and looking for an authentic domestic product made by a Macedonian artist (designers, jewelry makers, etc.), you should definitely visit the newly opened concept store Error Kolektiv. There you can find clothes, accessories, art prints, photographs, stationery and many other unique objects. The interior of the store is also worth seeing as it resembles an ongoing art exhibition.

Like many other concept stores around the world, Error Kolektiv also organizes parties and events for promotion of electronic music, introducing of young artists and different types of collaborations.

Location: Kosturski heroi, 4 Debar maalo, Skopje

Working Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00-20:00h/ Saturday 12:00-15:00h/ Sunday closed

Find out more

SIMPLE

Minimalist homeware, 100% ecological and organic products with a creative design. This is the description that best fits SIMPLE. – the studio for trendy home décor made of natural materials. SIMPLE.studio sells their own products as well as other artists’ collections, so here you can find bedding, décor items, ceramics, clothes, and kitchenware. It is a great place to visit when equipping your home or when thinking about buying an original present.

Location: Maksim Gorki 17Skopje

Working Hours: Monday – Friday 11:00-18:00h/ Saturday 12:00-17:00h/ Sunday closed

Find out more

Vintage fashion

For those of you who love eco fashion and well preserved vintage pieces, the DMWC organizes “I Love Vintage” – a monthly event where you can bring your own clothes, accessories and shoes that you no longer plan on wearing and at the same time you always discover some amazing vintage finds that another woman decided she no longer needs. Not only are these gatherings a great way to support eco and sustainable fashion, but they also provide an opportunity of networking and sharing experience among different women – locals and foreigners as well.

Location: To be announced each month.

Find out more

CREATIVITY CENTRES

Public room

Public room is a multi-functional space comprised of a co-working space, gallery, entertainment club and gastronomy section. The mix of possibilities Public Room offers makes it a great spot for business, but also for pleasure. Public Room hosts many bazaars and children’s workshops during the weekends, while throughout the week it is a great place for afternoon and evening gatherings. Additionally, Public Room is the home of Skopje Design Week, an event which promotes all kinds of interior, product and furniture design.

Location:50 Divizija 22, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia

Working Hours: Monday – Thursday08:00-00:00h/ Friday &Saturday 08:00-01:00h/ Sunday 08:00-00:00h

Find out more

Coffice

A comfortable co-working space in the center of Skopje for free lancers who would like to feel the community style office organization. The place provides offices, conference room and a relaxing area as well as possibility to meet new people and future collaborators.

Location: Mito Hadzivasilev Jasmin 48, Skopje

Working Hours: Monday – Friday 09:00-19:00/ Saturday & Sunday – closed

Find out more