The Church of St. Anne and the former rectory is to be transformed into a city museum by Jablonec n. N

Jablonec nad Nisou - The Church of St. Anne and the former rectory, which today houses the House of Ethnographers Jana and Josef V. Scheybal, are intended to be transformed into a city museum by Jablonec nad Nisou. An exhibition mapping the history of the city is missing in Jablonec, said CTK's Deputy Mayor Jana Hamplová (Starostové for the Liberecký kraj). Jablonec has partnered with the Polish organization Fundacja Kuźnia from Zgorzelec, and together they want to apply for funding for their projects from the cross-border European Interreg program.

"A small part of the city's history is narrated by the Glass and Costume Jewelry Museum exhibition; however, there is still a lack of space for understanding the entire story of the city. The intention to establish a city museum is a long-term, yet unrealized goal that is also part of the city's strategic plan for the period 2021–2030," added Hamplová. Project costs are estimated at 30 million crowns, and Jablonec has a chance to secure a million euros, equivalent to 25 million crowns. "The city has committed to a minimum co-financing of 20 percent, and the grant application will be processed by Kultura Jablonec," she added.

To build the museum, the city leadership chose the oldest part of the city – the former rectory and the Church of St. Anne, including the immediate surroundings. Both buildings have undergone reconstruction in the past, but further modifications are expected. "Based on the concept formulated by two curators, Petr Nový and Jan Strnad, the city architecture office prepared the tender and announced a competition among four teams selected based on references," said Deputy Mayor Jakub Chuchlík (Pirates). The author of the exhibitions will be the architectural studio Schwestern.

The Church of St. Anne is the oldest sacred building in the city; originally a baroque structure from the 1680s, it was renovated in the neo-Renaissance style in the 19th century. The church complex is complemented by a statue of Our Lady of Karlovy Vary and a reconciliation cross. Together with the opposing Catholic rectory, they form the historical center of the city, known as the Golden Cross. The renovation of the rectory was completed 12 years ago and now serves as the city’s tourist and information center. On the first floor is the City Gallery My, which should also remain in the building under the new concept.