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Max Švabinský Lunettes

Max Švabinský Lunettes

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Max Švabinský's cycle of five mosaic lunettes was originally meant to decorate the loggia on the north facade of the National Theatre in Prague, but the plan was never carried out. In 1963 the National Gallery handed the mosaics over to Kroměříž, and for many years they adorned the Colloredo Colonnade in the Chateau Garden (Podzámecká zahrada).

In 1999 four of the lunettes were moved to the grounds of the former Franciscan monastery, where Švabinský spent his childhood and where the Hotel Octárna is today. They depict scenes from Czech history: Libuše prophesying the glory of Prague, Charles IV founding the university, Jan Žižka leading the Taborites into battle and Comenius bidding farewell to his homeland.

The fifth mosaic, The Builders of the National Theatre, was kept in the chateau depository until 2024 and is now in the arcade in front of the Kroměříž Museum on the Great Square (Velké náměstí).

Interesting places nearby

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Tovačovského, 767 01 Kroměříž

The chapel of the former Franciscan monastery on Tovačovského Street, consecrated in 1654. Today it belongs to the Hotel Octárna and serves as a hall for weddings, concerts and social events.

Franciscan Monastery - Octárna

Tovačovského 318/18, 767 01 Kroměříž

A former Franciscan monastery outside the town walls from the early 17th century. After its dissolution it became a vinegar works; today it houses a hotel and lunettes by Max Švabinský.

Hotel Octarna

Tovačovského 318, 767 01 Kroměříž

Four-star hotel in a historic complex just outside the centre of Kroměříž: 25 rooms, a restaurant with Moravian cuisine, a garden with Max Švabinský's lunettes and free parking.

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