From the Fierlinger villa in S. Ústí, a museum could be created

Sezimovo Ústí (Táborsko) - Sezimovo Ústí is preparing a project for the use of the so-called Fierlinger Villa, which it owns. The building, constructed for the significant Social Democratic politician Zdeněk Fierlinger during the First Republic, is located next to the villa of the then President Edvard Beneš and is to be transformed into a museum of the town's history. This was stated by the mayor of Sezimovo Ústí, Martin Doležal, to ČTK. The Fierlinger Villa, located by the Lužnice River, has been empty and unused for several years.

"Sezimovo Ústí, although it is a town with a relatively interesting and tumultuous history, does not have any museum or space where it could present its medieval and modern history," Doležal stated.

According to him, the town would ask the Hussite Museum in Tábor to release items from its depository related to the history of Sezimovo Ústí to the Fierlinger Villa. The mayor suggested that the building could also include an exhibition hall.

The villa was built in the 1930s by politician Zdeněk Fierlinger. He is one of the most controversial figures in modern Czech history. He first gained fame as a hero and legionnaire during World War I at the Battle of Zborov. He later became a close friend of Edvard Beneš and worked in diplomatic services. During World War II, he leaned towards communist ideas, became the first prime minister in liberated Czechoslovakia, and in 1948, as chairman of the Social Democracy, supported the merging of the party with the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (KSČ).

Since Fierlinger served the regime devotedly until his death in 1976, he was able to use the villa in Sezimovo Ústí. However, the building, which was designated a cultural monument in 2000, has been empty practically since then. Doležal noted that the villa is not insulated, and due to heritage protection, any significant reconstruction would be difficult and expensive. "We therefore assume that the museum would be a seasonal affair, open to the public from May to September," he stated.

People can only view the villa and its surrounding garden during special occasions, such as last October's 100th anniversary of the founding of the republic. Sezimovo Ústí wanted to sell the villa in 2004, but no one was interested in bidding the starting price of 12 million crowns. According to Doležal, who has been mayor since 2010, the town should not part with such properties. "It is family silver. Furthermore, Sezimovo Ústí separated from Tábor in the past and did not acquire almost any property. Therefore, we should cherish and value every piece of real estate," Doležal stated.