Kendeho will be operated by the company Post Bellum in České Budějovice

České Budějovice - The Kende villa in České Budějovice will be operated by the Post Bellum organization. The cultural monument, which was acquired by the city last year, will primarily commemorate the Jewish history of České Budějovice. The city council decided today on the new operator, said Tomáš Bouzek (TOP 09), the deputy mayor.

Before World War II, the villa belonged to a prominent Jewish family, whose members ended up in concentration camps. "We want the Kende villa to be opened to the public so that people can visit it. For example, they will be able to visit the basement areas, which served as interrogation rooms for the German Sicherheitspolizei SD during the war. In addition, Post Bellum will prepare events in the villa on the theme of Judaism in the city," said Bouzek.

The villa is located on Otakar Street and is part of an inner court, which also includes the social house Beseda. The building is 104 years old, commissioned by the Kohn family, who later changed their surname to Kende. According to preservationists, the villa combines residential and representative functions.

The city purchased the Kende villa from its owner last year for 20 million crowns. "We definitely did not acquire it to demolish it and build a residential building in its place. We want it to serve as a reminder of the city's history," said Bouzek. Preservationists compare the quality of its construction and interior to the Hardtmuth villa in České Budějovice, which belonged to the founder of the Koh-i-noor company.

The non-profit organization Post Bellum, which has been documenting and recording the memories of witnesses to key moments of the 20th century since 2001, will operate the Kende villa until the end of 2025.