The Holubovo Museum by David Vávra will open in an impressive form

Pardubice - At the beginning of May, the Emil Holub African Museum in Holice, Pardubice region will reopen after a year and a half of reconstruction. The new exhibition was designed by theater director and architect David Vávra. Compared to the original museum setup, which was somewhat stagnant despite its valuable exhibits, it will be significantly more impressive and contemporary, Vítězslav Vondrouš, the deputy mayor of Holice and former director of the Cultural Center that operates the museum, told reporters today.
      "We have created a multimedia space where there is a village, savanna, functioning Victoria Falls, where water will flow, sound effects, lighting, and African music. Birds will fly, and fish will jump. It's mainly about feelings," Vondrouš stated.
      The central space of the museum will now be open, surrounded by booths presenting various phases of the life and travels of the renowned traveler. Holub's successors, travelers Bedřich Machulka and Jiří Hanzelka, as well as Miroslav Zikmund, will not be overlooked. A short film about Holub by screenwriters and directors Milan Šteindler and Martin Koppa will also be featured. The film will bring to life illustrations from Holub's travelogues.
        The museum is most frequently visited by school groups and families. Programs, a children's corner, and an outdoor African village for play will be prepared for children.
      Emil Holub (1847 - 1902), a native of Holice, is a symbol of Czech exploration, having spent 11 years on expeditions in Africa. His museum in the city was established in 1966, based on extensive collections and items from his estate donated by Holub's wife, Růžena.
The exhibition reconstruction cost Holice approximately 21 million crowns, of which 19.5 million crowns came from European grants. The museum will open to the public on May 3.