Experts ensure the stability of the burned Libušín in Pustevny

Rožnov pod Radhoštěm (Vsetínsko) - Experts have begun securing the structure of the burned-out Libušín lodge at Pustevny in the Vsetín region. Milan Gesierich, the technical deputy of the Wallachian Museum in Nature in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, which manages the destroyed national cultural monument, announced this to ČTK today. The damages are preliminarily estimated at 80 million crowns. The fire, which occurred on Monday, mainly affected the right side of Libušín, particularly the most artistically valuable dining room. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
    "We are working on structural stabilization. At first, it seemed that we would demolish it, but we decided to preserve it. Therefore, we need to secure the building structurally so that it does not collapse," Gesierich stated. The museum has decided to temporarily preserve the burned lodge so that it can prepare detailed documentation for the subsequent scientific reconstruction of the building.
   "We will also construct a self-supporting roof, which could be up within a month," the deputy added. The roof should protect Libušín even in winter, as the lodge is now entirely fenced off.
    Museum workers are still clearing away ashes that reached a height of up to 80 centimeters and are searching for parts of objects that they could preserve. For example, they found fittings and tiles. "But these are mostly small items, there isn't much," Gesierich noted. "We will halt work over the weekend; we need to rest, everyone is exhausted. We will continue on Monday," he stated.
    The restoration of Libušín, which was part of the ensemble of Art Nouveau folk architecture and symbols of Pustevny, will be largely covered by insurance. However, additional costs will arise for a new fire protection system and other construction modifications. Therefore, the museum has announced a public collection. "This morning, there was over 385,000 crowns," museum spokeswoman Petra Valíčková told ČTK.
    The fire was very likely not caused by a technical fault. Investigators continue to work with the theory of intentional or negligent fire-starting, and the fire may have spread from the external part of the building. The police are still waiting for the results of examinations, which are likely to be known only in several weeks or months.
    The building named after the legendary princess Libuše was opened in 1899. It was designed by architect Dušan Jurkovič. The interior was adorned with frescoes and sgraffito featuring motifs from Wallachian and Slovak legends based on designs by Mikoláš Aleš. Unique items included three Art Nouveau chandeliers, a sideboard, a greenhouse, and a clock.