Slávy Fuchs

As part of the celebrations for the 130th anniversary of the birth of the renowned architect Bohuslav Fuchs, an unusual art installation in the form of a large inflatable sculpture appeared in the streets. The festive presentation of this unconventional artistic object took place at the opening of the exhibition project "New World of Bohuslav Fuchs and Rudolf Sandal" at Špilberk Castle on Fuchs's birthday, March 24, 2025.

The project "Glories of Fuchs," created by educators from the Faculty of Architecture at the Brno University of Technology—architecture historian Rostislav Koryčánek, sculptor Jan Šebánek, and architect Jaroslav Sedlák—aims to remind people of Fuchs's buildings and his contribution to the transformation of modern Brno. The inflatable sculpture corresponds with Fuchs's approach to architecture, which included an emphasis on functionality, materials used, and technology, while also maintaining aesthetic harmony. The project’s author Rostislav Koryčánek adds: “The pneumatic sculpture plays with the idea of whether Bohuslav Fuchs, as an architect of European stature, should have a classical statue in the city where he worked. And if so, where it should stand. At the same time, we are saying that the best sculptural memorials are his buildings, provided we take good care of them.”

To ensure that the traveling sculpture captured attention and showcased the quality of Fuchs’s work, its creators chose an unconventional method of execution. They collaborated with the Brno company Kubíček Factory, a leading manufacturer of hot air balloons (Kubíček Balloons), design inflatables (Kubíček Visionair), and ultralight aircraft (Kubíček Aircraft), and had the designed shape made from balloon fabric. “Just as Bohuslav Fuchs discovered new possibilities in architecture, we also continuously explore the boundaries of materials and air. The combination of art and technology in this project shows that traditional materials can have unexpected uses and appeal to a wide audience,” stated sales representative Jan Procházka.

Thus, a variable and easily transportable object was created, and the company Švihé Synku took charge of moving it around the city. The inflatable sculpture is transported on a trailer pulled by a cargo bike. The founder of the company, Erik Nálepka, justified support for the project by stating: “Our aim is to change transportation habits, including the transport of goods, and to offer means of transport that are more beneficial for the city and life within it. The bike is a proven means in many other places that can calm traffic, increase its safety, and bring life back to places blocked by fast-moving or parked cars. It leads to greater sensitivity to the city and its history, similarly to the Slávy Fuchs project, which we aim to support for this reason.”

The statue appeared in front of each of the planned seven Fuchs buildings for several days. To provide passersby with information, they could access the Brno Architectural Manual database via a QR code, which is the most comprehensive source for exploring Brno's architecture. BAM coordinator Veronika Jičínská states: “BAM is one of the long-term developed projects of the Brno House of Art, whose extensive post-war reconstruction was entrusted to architect Bohuslav Fuchs. The fact that he was an extraordinarily productive architect is evidenced by the fact that interested parties can find around forty buildings of various purposes in the database—from villas, apartment buildings, and hotels to schools and ceremonial halls. Bohuslav Fuchs's buildings are an integral part of Brno's architectural heritage.”

The presence of the sculpture will also draw attention to other events related to the celebration of Fuchs's anniversary. The project partner is TIC BRNO, which recognizes the tourist potential of Brno's architecture. “Brno architecture is one of the main destination themes that we use when promoting Brno in the Czech Republic and abroad. The Slávy Fuchs project is one of twelve that will be implemented this year with the support of the city of Brno, aimed at presenting Fuchs from various perspectives. You can find all the projects on the gotobrno.cz website in the Events and Festivals category. They comprise a vibrant palette of exhibitions, lectures, workshops, interventions in public space, and performances. On GOTOBRNO.CZ, you'll also find a new article titled 'The Brno Phenomenon – Fuchs 130,' where you can read about how his granddaughter, Mrs. Pavla Seitlová, remembers her grandfather,” summarized Jana Janulíková, director of TIC BRNO.

Buildings in front of which the inflatable sculpture of Bohuslav Fuchs appeared from March to June:

Špilberk Castle (Museum of the City of Brno) March 24 – March 28.
The installation of the sculpture will be part of the New World of Bohuslav Fuchs and Rudolf Sandal – an intervention into the permanent exhibition "O Nové Brno: Brno Architecture 1919–1939."

Moravian Bank, March 31; April 2 – April 4.
An unmistakable building on náměstí Svobody in Brno from 1930, to which Fuchs contributed alongside Arnošt Wiesner. Its elegant facade with glass surfaces and a characteristic clock has become a symbol of modern Brno.

Hotel Avion, April 10 – April 11; April 14 – April 17.
An iconic functionalist building in the center of Brno from 1927, distinguished by its well-thought-out spatial solution, lighting effects, and elegant interior.

Bus station near Hotel Grand, April 22 – April 25.
The current station represents only one-third of what was planned. The completed first platform from 1948 with a shell-like concrete roof and slender columns is still one of the first Fuchs objects that visitors to Brno encounter.

Renovation of the House of Art, May 12 – May 13; May 15 – May 17.
The war-damaged House of Art was cleared of decorative elements by Fuchs in 1946, and additional spaces were added. This resulted in one of the most beautiful exhibition spaces in the Czech Republic.

Administrative building of Alpa, May 14.
A three-story administrative building with the owner’s apartment, featuring part of the facade with a glass front, above which originally was a artistically designed logo of the company.

Memorial to Red Army Soldiers, May 19 – May 22.
A monumental memorial in Moravian square in Brno unveiled on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of liberation from the fascist regime, constructed in collaboration with sculptor Vincenc Makovský and architect Antonín Kurial. Fuchs contributed to the arrangement and architectural completion of the public space.

Masaryk Student Dormitory, June 2 – June 3; June 6 – June 8.
In 1930, Bohuslav Fuchs completed a building for collective student housing, demonstrating the possibilities of modern architecture in the creation of comfortable living spaces.

FAVU – Finals! Bohuslav Fuchs Award June 5.

City Baths in Zábrdovice, June 9 – June 13.
A functionalist building from 1931 that served as public baths. Its simple and purposeful design reflects the effort to ensure hygiene and health for as many residents as possible.

The Slávy Fuchs project was developed at the Faculty of Architecture at the VUT in Brno and involves TIC BRNO, the House of Art of the City of Brno, together with Kubíček Factory and Švihé synku. The project is being implemented with financial support from the statutory city of Brno.