The councilors will discuss the possible location of the epic in Prague

Prague - The city council of the capital will discuss possible options for the placement of Mucha's Slav Epic in Prague during their meeting on Tuesday. This is evident from the agenda. Five panels of the epic are currently located in the Prague Trade Fair Palace, while the remaining 15 paintings are in the castle in Moravský Krumlov. Prague wants to relocate them to the capital this autumn.
    The director of the Gallery of the Capital City of Prague (GHMP), Milan Bufka, told ČTK that it is possible to use some of the current venues, such as the Trade Fair Palace or the Riding School of Prague Castle, for the exhibition of the complete work. Another option is the construction of a new pavilion at Vítkov or Letná. According to Bufka, the renovation of another facility, such as the riding hall at Pohořelec, is also under consideration. Bufka expects that the councilors will choose two or three options, which GHMP, responsible for the Slav Epic, will then develop further.
    At the same time, GHMP is preparing for the transport of the remaining paintings from the Moravský Krumlov castle and their exhibition in the Trade Fair Palace. "We would like to open the exhibition in the first half of December," Bufka told ČTK.
    According to Bufka, there is still a possibility that the epic could be loaned to Japan in 2014, which has expressed serious interest in it. However, this will likely be addressed next year. "I would be pleased if the politicians leaned towards the loan. It would benefit the work and Prague, additionally signifying significant cooperation with Tokyo," added Bufka.
    However, people in Krumlov hope that the paintings will one day return to Moravia. Prague does not plan for that until the dilapidated Krumlov castle is repaired. The castle is owned by Incheba, which is negotiating with the region about a possible lease or purchase of the monument.
    Last year, sharp disputes arose between Prague and Krumlov regarding the relocation of the Slav Epic to Prague, which calmed down only after the leadership of both municipalities was changed.
    The Slav Epic consists of 20 large-scale paintings inspired by Slavic mythology and the history of the Czech nation. Mucha donated the paintings to Prague; after World War II, they were transported to Krumlov.