ICOM Prague 2022 | The cradle of a state and nation

The cradle of a state and nation: The South Moravian Museum in Znojmo and Alphonse Mucha’s ‘Slav Epic’ in Moravský Krumlov

Archeology Architecture Art Craft History sights

The South Moravian Region can definitely be called the cradle of Czechs. It was there that the oldest ‘Czech’ state, the Great Moravian Empire, was created back in the 9th century, and where two Byzantine monks, Cyril and Methodius, brought Christianity alongside a brand new alphabet in the year 863.

On this exciting excursion, return to the roots of the Czech Republic and experience the oldest Czech history in various forms, all day long. First, we will visit the South Moravian Museum in Znojmo, which should be proud not only of its collections of natural history and archaeology, but also of its beautifully maintained Romanesque Rotunda of St. Catherine with well preserved frescos dating back to the 12th century. After a guided tour, you can enjoy a buffet lunch served within the museum’s historical building. After lunch, the bus will take us to a Renaissance chateau in Moravský Krumlov where the ‘Slav Epic,’ a famous collection of 20 giant canvases from genius Art Nouveau artist Alphons Mucha, is exhibited. Iconic moments of Slavic history are painted in epic scale, with each canvas measuring approximately 4 to 8 metres wide and 4 to 6 metres tall. Whether depicting the dawn of Christianity or the abolition of serfdom in Russia, each and every one of them will overwhelm you. You will be welcomed by Mr. Mucha, grandson of the painter.

Recommended for members of: COMCOL, ICMAH, ICFA, ICR, ICOM-CC