NPÚ is considering that the Brno International will be proposed again as a memorial

photo: Miroslav Divina

Brno - Heritage protectors are considering urging the Ministry of Culture to reclassify the Hotel International in Brno as a cultural monument again. It was removed from their list at the beginning of this year at the request of the property owner. However, the property was rightfully listed, said Zdeněk Vácha, director of the Brno department of the National Heritage Institute, to ČTK today. The hotel owner's statement has not yet been obtained, as they are on holiday abroad.
    "I will not comment on this matter," said Zdeněk Sedmera from the management of the International to ČTK today. He did not specify the reasons that led the property owner to have the hotel removed from the list of monuments.
    When the ministry removed it, Brno heritage protectors objected to this decision. However, the Minister of Culture's Appeals Commission concluded that the removal from the list was legally valid; heritage protectors can, however, request its reinstatement among cultural monuments. They are now preparing a statement on the matter.
    "In the event of a request for registration among cultural monuments, we will not consider the owner's plans for the building, but its actual architectural significance, which is substantial," Vácha stated.
    Hotel International is one of the most famous modern buildings in Brno. It was completed in 1962; its creators drew inspiration from functionalism, particularly in the so-called Brussels style. The architect is the renowned Oscar Niemeyer, famous for his designs of buildings for Brazil's capital, Brasília.
    According to experts, the hotel building is an exceptionally successful example of the interplay of various artistic fields and a demonstration of timeless quality and elegance. They point out, for instance, the elegant composition of the facade, interesting wall surfaces, exclusive materials, and ingenious lighting elements. Since its opening, the interior has been adorned with interesting artworks, such as those by Jan Rajlich the Elder and Ladislav Martínka.