Brno is looking for a statue for the second "Brno Slavín", a competition will be announced

"The new place that will be created is like a new building, it has no soul." Daniel Rychnovský (KDU-ČSL)

Brno - The Brno city hall is establishing a second honorary burial site at the Central Cemetery. The first one, where the remains of composer Leoš Janáček, scientist Johann Gregor Mendel, speleologist Karel Absolon, and conductor Gustav Brom are buried, is full. According to the mayor's deputy Daniel Rychnovský (KDU-ČSL), there should be a statue in the center of the new "Brno Slavín." The city hall will announce an architectural competition for its design, he told reporters today.
    The new honorary burial site is being created next to the scattering meadow at the Central Cemetery. According to Rychnovský, several first graves have already been established there. In the future, they are to form a circle, in the middle of which the statue will stand. The city hall will leave its design to the artists. "The assignment will be such that it will be a commemorative space that evokes a festive atmosphere," the deputy stated. He said there is money in the city budget for the competition, intended for the project "Statues for Brno."
    The older and already filled honorary burial site consists of two concentric circles. The city hall takes care of the space. There are no elements inside, but according to Rychnovský, the place already has the essence of genius loci by its nature. "Brno citizens share it this way, they know that this is Brno's Slavín. And the new place that will be created this way is like a new building, it has no soul. It needs to be given a soul and the space marked as a continuation of Brno's Slavín,” he stated, adding that the statue is to contribute to the solemnity and dignity of the place.
    The intention to announce an art competition for the new statue will be discussed by the councilors in committees. Then the matter will be addressed by the council. The Brno city hall has been focusing on statues in recent years. A new sculpture has already adorned Zelný trh, where composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart played as a child in the Reduta theater nearly 250 years ago. A statue commemorating inventor Thomas Alva Edison is set to appear at the Mahen Theater, and a statue of Justice at Moravské náměstí.