First season without the epic in Moravský Krumlov

Moravský Krumlov (Znojmo region) - Moravský Krumlov is experiencing its first tourist season in half a century without the famous work of painter Alfons Mucha, the Slav Epic, being exhibited in its castle. The city is noticeably affected by this. The streets, which used to be filled with crowds of tourists in spring, are now half-empty. Restaurateurs and hoteliers expect a drop in revenue, even up to 30 percent. Tourists no longer have a reason to visit Krumlov, said Mayor Tomáš Třetina (TOP 09) to ČTK today.
     The Epic consists of a collection of 20 large-format paintings inspired by Slavic mythology and the history of the Czechs and Moravians. It was first exhibited in Prague, where it is again on display today in the Great Hall of the Trade Fair Palace. The residents of Moravský Krumlov agree that this is not good news for them. They are also displeased that the epic is expected to be in Prague for up to five years. Everyone hopes that it will return to the town after the castle is soon renovated.
      "Earlier, the pubs in the city were full, now there are about three people sitting in them around noon. You hardly see cyclists here anymore. They have no reason to come here. The parking lot by the castle is empty," said Jiří Šanda, the owner of the Penzion na Skalce, to ČTK today. According to him, there can be no doubt that this is the result of the epic being moved to Prague.
      The only reminder of it in Moravský Krumlov today is the name of the hotel Epopej. It is one of the best establishments of its kind in the city. This summer, it will not hire three temporary workers for its restaurant, as it has in the past, because the number of customers has decreased. In the future, it will try to attract customers through wine presentations and is also considering building a wellness center. "However, investment is uncertain without the Slav Epic," said hotel owner Hana Tranová to ČTK today.
      Třetina expects that Moravský Krumlov will lose at least two million crowns this year in income related to the operation of the exhibition with the epic in the castle, which he said is a significant blow for a small town. He reminded that up to 25,000 tourists from all over the world used to visit the town for Mucha's work each year.
      Therefore, Krumlov residents hope for the swift return of the epic to the castle. On August 3, Minister Alena Hanáková is to sign a memorandum on its restoration with the city leadership, the South Moravian Region, and the Slovak company Incheba, which owns the castle in Moravský Krumlov. The epic should then return to the renovated premises. However, this will depend on an agreement between the owner of the work, namely Prague, and representatives of the Moravský Krumlov city hall.
      City residents often mention that Prague had no interest in the Slav Epic. The work reached Krumlov after World War II in poor condition. It was exhibited after restoration in 1963. No representatives from Prague came to see the rescued paintings at that time. A similar situation has occurred today. Moravský Krumlov did not send representatives to the opening of the exhibition in Prague.
      "No one invited us, which we will accept. We are interested in the epic and will visit the Prague exhibition later as tourists. I just regret that no one thought to invite the people who took care of the paintings here for more than 20 years," added Třetina.