The gazebo with cubist features in Šternberk has become a cultural monument

Sternberg (Olomouc Region) - The pavilion with elements of cubism located in Tyršovy sady in Sternberg, Olomouc Region, has become a cultural monument. This was decided by the Ministry of Culture based on a proposal from Olomouc conservators, who consider it to be an exceptional building. The pavilion of unknown authorship is, according to experts, preserved in a completely authentic state, including its details and materials. Vlastimil Staněk, a spokesman for the Olomouc office of the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ), stated this to ČTK today.
    "The pavilion is an architecturally valuable work of interwar architecture that combines various stylistic inspirations, continuing the tradition of pavilions in spa parks. In terms of stylistic typology, it is an exceptional and unique building in the Sternberg architectural fund and has hardly any comparison in the region," Staněk said.
    The pavilion was ceremonially opened in the Sternberg gardens in May 1931, and its first tenant was the confectioner Hans Hoffmann, who operated a refreshment stand there. According to heritage experts, the building's architectural division resembles structures of cubism; however, given its year of origin in 1931, it is more reflective of the art deco style, drawing from directions such as cubism, futurism, and secession. Despite the poor condition of the monument, which faced the threat of demolition, it still carries historical, artistic, and urbanistic values, according to Staněk. "Just like the cubist pavilion in nearby Přikazy or the rondocubist kiosk in Vrchlického sady in Prague, the pavilion in Sternberg fully deserves the status of a cultural monument," states the decision by the Ministry of Culture.
    According to Aneta Zlámalová from the Olomouc office of the NPÚ, the author of the building is likely a regional creator, but one influenced by the work of cubist architects from architectural centers, such as Josef Gočár or Josef Chochol.
    The listing of the Sternberg pavilion is another success for Olomouc conservators. They recently succeeded in adding a third villa from the group of villas on Vienna Street in Olomouc, designed by Austrian architect Jakob Gartner, to the same list. This villa was built in neo-Rococo style for the industrialist Hans Passinger. This year, the list was also expanded to include the church together with the building of the parish of the Czech Brethren Evangelical Church located on the waterfront in Olomouc.