Slavkov will build a modern Napoleonic exhibition for 70 million CZK

Slavkov u Brna (Vyškov region) - Slavkov u Brna will build a modern exhibition dedicated to the Battle of the Three Emperors and Napoleon's campaign in Central Europe in the dilapidated riding halls and carriage houses of the local castle. It will open in the spring of 2013. It will cost 70 million crowns, with a larger part of the costs being covered by European subsidies, said the mayor of Slavkov, Ivan Charvát (ODS), today to ČTK.
    "The construction company has taken over the facility today. The scenario for the new exhibition will be ready by the end of January next year. We want to create a permanent exhibition of European significance that will not only focus on the battle, but will also present the entire battlefield of Slavkov," explained the mayor.
    By modifying the space, an area of 800 square meters will be created on two floors. The city has obtained permission from the heritage authorities to connect them with an elevator. The facility will include a lecture hall and exhibition. In it, visitors should find not only rare exhibits in showcases, but also weapons, helmets, and military uniforms that they will be able to touch and even try on directly on the spot if interested.
    Although the city is associated with the Battle of Slavkov, the exhibition in its castle only touches on it marginally. It presents the Kounic family, who once owned this grand residence, and also the architecture. The famous military clash at Slavkov is primarily associated with a three-dimensional animated rendering of the course of the battle.
    "In relation to the Napoleonic era, we indeed have a lot to catch up on. However, we do not want to build an exhibition that is part of the Mohyla míru memorial. Both should complement each other in an appropriate way," added the mayor.
    He mentioned that every year thousands of tourists head to Slavkov u Brna, especially in early December for the reconstruction of the battle. Next Saturday, 1,200 members of historical military clubs from 15 European countries will participate in it. Up to 10,000 spectators are expected now.
    The Battle of Slavkov is the largest military confrontation that took place in Central Europe. On December 2, 1805, Napoleon defeated larger Russian and Austrian forces due to his brilliant tactics. The battle cost approximately 20,000 lives.