Over 7.5 million crowns were raised for the restoration of Libušína

Prague - The public collection for the reconstruction of the burned-down Libušín at Pustevny has gathered over 7.5 million crowns. Representatives of the Wallachian Museum in Nature in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm and the Czech Radio Foundation told journalists today. The national cultural monument at Pustevny, designed by architect Dušan Jurkovič, was engulfed in a major fire at the beginning of March, and the total costs for reconstruction are estimated at 83 million crowns.
The funds will primarily come from the insurance company, with which the museum is still negotiating, in addition to the donations account. Furthermore, the Ministry of Culture has allocated ten million crowns to secure the building against weather influences and further deterioration. The museum has also already received a binding promise from the Forests of the Czech Republic, which will provide wood for the restoration of this national cultural monument. "I must say that this is a great help, as we need wood of a certain quality, harvested at a specific time," said museum director Jindřich Ondruš.
Minister of Culture Daniel Herman (KDU-ČSL) emphasized today that Libušín represents a significant cultural monument that underwent a complete reconstruction in the 1990s. "It is one of the Beskid buildings that has become a symbol of Pustevny," noted Herman.
Czech Radio has also engaged in promoting the collection for the restoration of the monument, organizing, among other things, a Day for Pustevny along with participating in fundraising activities. "Of course, we will continue, as the restoration deadline is not until 2017. Certainly, as I know my colleagues, we will think of other actions to support Libušín," said Czech Radio General Director Peter Duhan.
The Libušín lodge, which served as a dining hall, is currently out of operation. A hall is currently being completed, which will roof the remains of the building and will serve during the planned reconstruction. "The nearby Maměnka lodge still operates, but guests now have to walk several hundred meters for meals," explained the museum director. The selection of the contractor for the project documentation of the building is being prepared as part of the repairs.
The museum director recalled that, according to the expert opinion of firefighters, the fire was likely caused by a structural defect that occurred during the reconstruction of the chimney. He noted that the police investigation would last about another eight weeks.
Libušín was part of the group of Beskid Art Nouveau folk buildings and symbols of Pustevny. The building, named after the legendary princess Libuše, was opened in 1899. It is expected to reopen within three years.