The century since the death of patron Hlávka is marked by an exhibition and a coin

Prague - The century that has just passed since the death of architect and patron Josef Hlávka is commemorated by a new exhibition in the Lobkovice Palace in Prague. The exhibition has been organized by the National Museum, and the Czech National Bank simultaneously issued a new silver commemorative coin with a nominal value of 200 crowns for this occasion. Today, representatives of the museum and the bank presented the exhibition program and the new coin to journalists in Prague.
    "Hlávka's personality is exceptional particularly in that it encompassed many activities - artist, architect, organizer of science, patron, practical builder, and entrepreneur. I think that this is truly unique, and I believe it is symptomatic of this time that such versatility can be appreciated," said Václav Pavlíček, chairman of the board and presidium of the Josef, Marie, and Zdenka Hlávka Foundation. The foundation currently manages Hlávka's estate and contributes to the development of science and art.
    "The current media attention shows that it is possible to remind people of his personality and that society responds to it, which is a very important symptom," Pavlíček stated. The foundation's activities were significantly restricted during World War II by the Nazis and later by the communist regime.
    "The fact is that only after November (1989) could Hlávka's foundation fully restore its activities and thereby remind people of Hlávka's name," Pavlíček added. Nevertheless, the foundation has likely irreversibly lost a large part of its property, which the communist regime took from it.
    On the occasion of the anniversary, the foundation donated a bronze bust of Josef Hlávka to the National Museum, who was once among the founders of this institution. Museum visitors will see the bust, created by sculptor Josef Václav Myslbek in 1901, in the central hall of the museum.
    The exhibition titled Portae vitae Josef Hlávky - the centennial legacy of the patron in the Lobkovice Palace will run until July 27. The exhibition will commemorate the fate of the patron and the ways in which he influenced various fields.
    Information about the projects that Hlávka's foundation organized for the 100th anniversary of its patron's death this year can be found on the website www.hlavka-jubilejni-rok.cz.