Moravský Krumlov applied for a grant for the repair of the castle

Moravský Krumlov - Moravský Krumlov has requested a grant for the renovation of the castle. It is expected to cost over 119 million crowns, most of which will be covered by the grant, with the remaining amount to be paid by the town, indicated Eva Fruhwirtová from the city office in a press release today. The renovated part of the castle is intended for exhibitions and a space will also be prepared for the return of the Slav Epic by Alfons Mucha, which the city is striving for.

Krumlov can obtain the grant from the operational program of the Ministry for Regional Development, and has been pursuing it since last year when it acquired the castle as the only bidder in a public auction for 14 million crowns. "With the grant, we would renovate the southern wing including the tower and tunnel and both arcade courtyards," stated Mayor Tomáš Třetina (TOP 09).

The town is already collaborating with institutions and individuals who would participate in the preparation of exhibitions and loaning collections. "We are collaborating with the Kampa Museum, John Mucha, and also the Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes," Třetina said.

A space for the establishment of a Mucha center is planned in the castle, which could include the canvases of the Slav Epic upon its return. "John Mucha and I plan to add other artifacts from his collections, which he currently has in Hradčanské Square in Prague, to the Slav Epic," Třetina stated.

The mayor considers an exhibition created in collaboration with the Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes as a potential social spark. "In our history, we have had many heroic deeds, but it is also necessary to speak about cowardly acts. That should be the theme of the planned exhibition," Třetina stated.

The last owner of the castle was the company Reality MK since 2004, as a subsidiary of the Bratislava-based Incheba. The medieval residence at the site above the town was established in the 12th century, and its current form is predominantly Renaissance from the 16th century. After World War II, the castle was nationalized. Initially, it housed offices, then the army used the castle, and subsequently, it was occupied by various enterprises. Railway construction in Brno built a dormitory, classrooms, and apprentice workshops here. This situation lasted until 1991.