Prague wants to place the Slav Epic at the main train station

Prague/Moravský Krumlov (Znojmo) - The capital city is considering placing Mucha's Slavic Epic in the historic Fant's building at Prague's main train station. This space was proposed by a study commissioned by Prague's mayor Bohuslav Svoboda (ODS). Mucha's grandson John also agrees with the proposal, as confirmed by Mucha's foundation spokesperson Simona Krištofková. The plan is also appreciated by the company Grandi Stazioni, which is renovating the station. Moravský Krumlov disagrees with this.
Prague had long wanted to place the large canvases in the riding hall in Pohořelec, but this was not approved by Prague Castle, which manages the riding hall. The city then began searching for another solution. The new proposal is part of a study addressing the strategic development of the capital.
Krištofková told ČTK that John Mucha, who has been involved in the matter for a long time, is aware of the city's proposal. "The space (of the historic main station building) wouldn't bother us; it's an interesting place," Krištofková stated.
"The idea is very interesting for us," said Martin Hamšík, spokesperson for Grandi Stazioni, to ČTK. The company is currently preparing the renovation of this part of the station, and according to Hamšík, the building could be modified for the needs of the Slavic Epic. The renovation is expected to be completed by the end of 2013, meaning the paintings could be exhibited in Fant's building starting from early 2014. "The main station is in the middle of the city, and almost 100,000 people pass through it daily. It is an ideal place for the epic to be seen by as many people as possible," noted Hamšík. However, he mentioned that no official negotiations with the city have started yet.
The representatives of Moravský Krumlov's leadership received the information with great reluctance, as most of the epic's canvases are still exhibited there. "Is this some kind of joke? Do we want to turn such a unique work as the Slavic Epic into a circus and display it at the station? " said Tomáš Třetina (TOP 09), the mayor of Moravský Krumlov, to ČTK today.
According to him, more attention should be paid to preserving the work at Krumlov Castle, which is awaiting a comprehensive renovation. He reminded that the local spaces for the canvases will be adjusted and other rooms of the castle will be integrated to expand the entire exhibition.
Five paintings of the epic are currently at the Prague Veletržní Palace; the remaining 15 are in Moravia. After the tourist season, the capital city wants to move the remaining canvases to Prague for an exhibition at the Veletržní Palace. Afterwards, they would like to display them somewhere long-term. They also considered building a special gallery, which the painter wished for, but currently, they lack the funds for that.
The Slavic Epic consists of 20 large-scale paintings inspired by Slavic mythology and the history of Czechs and Moravians. Mucha donated the paintings to Prague; after World War II, they were transported to Krumlov, where they were first restored and then exhibited.
Due to the relocation of the Slavic Epic to Prague, sharp disputes arose last year between Prague and Moravský Krumlov, which calmed down only after the leadership of both municipalities changed. Moravský Krumlov wants to persuade Prague to keep the paintings in the local castle.