The exhibition for the Slav Epic has increased in cost by 21 million

photo: Martin Frouz

Prague - The preparation of the exhibition of the Slav Epic at the Trade Fair Palace in Prague will cost 21 million crowns more than originally planned. Prague has allocated 15 million for it, but the gallery spent 36 million crowns. Milan Bufka, the director of the Gallery of the Capital City of Prague (GHMP), told ČTK. The city is not pleased and wants the gallery to cover the additional costs from its own budget.
     The gallery, according to Bufka, spent the money on transporting the epic from Moravský Krumlov, restoration work, and the complete renovation of the Great Hall in the Trade Fair Palace. "The heating system is complete; we only need to add the air conditioning," the director stated. Due to technical issues, the installation of Alfons Mucha's work has been delayed by several months.
      "I regret to state that the gallery has neither met the deadline nor stayed within budget," cultural councilor Václav Novotný (TOP 09) responded to ČTK's inquiry. Although the technical solution for the exhibition was challenging, Novotný will still want an explanation as to why the exhibition preparation has become so expensive.
     Bufka requested the city to allow a redistribution of this year's capital expenditures of the gallery because of the epic. Furthermore, he hopes that the remaining portion of the costs will be covered by Prague next year. However, the councilor rejected that. "The gallery will have to solve this from its own budget; the city does not have extra funds during this time of savings," he added. GHMP has about 15 million in investments and around 65 million for operations from the city this year, and according to Novotný, it will have to make do with that.
     The preparation of the exhibition started a few days ago, it will open to the public on May 10 and will last at least two years. However, the director would like the Slav Epic to remain in the gallery for at least five years. "The entrance fee will be 180 crowns for adults, and if 200 people come daily, the costs of installing the epic should be recouped in five years," he stated.
     The relocation of Mucha's work from Moravský Krumlov and the placing of the paintings in the hall, which was decided by Prague, has been provoking strong emotions for several months. Both Moravský Krumlov, where the extensive work has been exhibited since the end of World War II, and the descendants of the painter have opposed it. Alfons Mucha donated the paintings to Prague on the condition that a pavilion would be built for them. This has not yet happened. The capital city does not have the funds for a new building. The Slav Epic consists of paintings inspired by Slavic mythology and the history of the Czechs and Moravians.