The opening of the Archdiocesan Museum in Olomouc was attended by hundreds of people

Olomouc - To the sound of festive fanfares, but also accompanied by heavy rain, the Archdiocesan Museum was ceremoniously opened today in Olomouc. The ceremonial event had to be moved to the neighboring St. Wenceslas Cathedral due to inclement weather. Even so, the opening of the museum, which is unique of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe, attracted hundreds of people. Visitors will be able to view around 300 exhibits in the permanent exhibition and another 100 in the temporary exhibition "Treasures of French Medieval Art in Czech and Moravian Collections."
"It's not bad that it rains luck for us," commented the difficulties with the weather by Minister of Culture Vítězslav Jandák. According to him, it is not a coincidence that the Archdiocesan Museum was established in Olomouc, as it demonstrates the rich history of the Haná region. The Minister also reminded that starting today, the Olomouc Museum of Art is returning to state administration along with the Archdiocesan Museum. "If I were to be trivial, I would say that the transfer means a huge burden for us. But since I believe that this is an absolutely unique matter not only within the country, it is an honor for us. I did everything to agree on the transfer with the Olomouc Region," Jandák told ČTK.
According to Olomouc Archbishop Jan Graubner, it is symbolic that the rain today drove museum-goers under the roof of the church. In addition, most of the exhibited items were created for churches. "I am glad that such a constellation of people and goodwill was found, that a long-held dream has become a reality," said the Archbishop during the ceremonial opening.
In addition to one of the highest quality Central European collections of old painting, the museum will allow visitors to see excellent examples of Gothic and Baroque sculpture, as well as a variety of exhibits from collections of ivory works to the famous carriage of Bishop Troyer, liturgical items, and mass textiles.
The Archdiocesan Museum was established in part of the national cultural monument Přemysl Castle. According to archaeologists, there is evidence of settlement in the area for 6000 years. The idea of restoring Olomouc Castle appeared as early as the late 19th century. However, the basic impulse for its realization was the visit of Pope John Paul II to Olomouc. An architectural competition was held in 1998, and construction began two years later. The renovation of the facility cost approximately 270 million crowns. Interested parties will be able to visit the Archdiocesan Museum for free until Sunday.

> more information