Once Upon a Life

The Slovak premiere of a unique entertainment and educational event, created to mark the 40th anniversary of the cult series, is coming to Bratislava. Visitors of all ages can look forward to a fascinating journey through the human body – in a playful, interactive, and unforgettable way.

Fun and knowledge await you under one roof. The event, which has not yet been presented anywhere else in Slovakia, brings a unique concept combining education, entertainment, and nostalgia to Bory Mall from March 7 to 9.

Adults will be transported back to their childhood, while children will discover the secrets of how the human body works in an understandable, interactive, and playful way.

Visitors can look forward to ten themed stations that explain how the human body works through oversized models, fun tasks, interactive quizzes, educational games, and visually appealing exhibits.

There will be a total of 10 educational zones at Bory Mall. Children are tasked with collecting stamps for each zone they complete, and those who symbolically “go through the whole body” and complete all ten tasks will receive an original Once Upon a Time… Life medal – a unique souvenir of a day full of discoveries, games, and fun.

Each position will present different parts of the human body:

• Respiratory System
• Eye and Ear
• Digestive System
• Immunity
• Bone and Muscle
• Brain
• Heart and Blood
• Prevention
• Skin
• Mouth and Teeth

What kind of world would it be without its main characters? Maestro, Virus, and Blood Cell are already looking forward to welcoming visitors to the Bory Mall shopping and entertainment center. Throughout the day, there will be moderated competitions and quizzes that will engage both children and parents.

The event will be complemented by paramedics with an ambulance, who will demonstrate how to administer first aid correctly and explain why it is so important in everyday life.

The series Once Upon a Time… Life (French: Il était une fois… la Vie, known in Slovakia as Bol raz jeden život) is one of the most famous educational cartoon series about the human body. It was created in the late 1980s and has taught many generations about how our bodies work. However, there are also many interesting details about the series that many people are unaware of.

1. It is part of the large series “Once Upon a Time…”

This series is not a standalone project. It was created by French producer and director Albert Barillé, who created a whole series of educational series: for example, Once Upon a Time… Man or Once Upon a Time… The Explorers. Each of them explained a different area—history, space, explorers, or nature.

2. The characters represent cells and parts of the body

In the series, almost every cell has a “human” form. Red blood cells look like little workers carrying oxygen. White blood cells are police officers or soldiers who fight viruses. Viruses and bacteria are depicted as villains. This approach helped children understand complex biological processes very easily.

3. The main character Maestro appears in every series

An old wise man with a long beard – Maestro – appears in all episodes of the series “Once Upon a Time…”. He has a slightly different role in each episode, but he always symbolizes science and knowledge.

4. The series was very accurate from a scientific point of view

Doctors and scientists collaborated on the series to ensure that the explanations of biological processes were correct. Of course, everything was simplified for children, but the basic principles (e.g., immunity, digestion, respiration) are still scientifically accurate.

5. It only has 26 episodes

Although the series seems very long, it actually only has 26 episodes. Each episode focuses on one part of the body or system—for example, the heart, brain, digestion, or immune system.

6. It was broadcast in more than 100 countries

The series became a global hit. It was translated into dozens of languages and broadcast across almost all of Europe, Asia, and America.

7. It is still used in schools today

Some schools and biology teachers still use episodes as a supplement to teaching because they explain the basic functioning of the body very well.

And we loved it! We look forward to this event with you!

Location: Bory Mall, Lamač, Bratislava
Date: Saturday, 07.03.2026 – Monday 09.03.2026
Time: from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
The event is free for all visitors.

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