The Central Bohemian Region wants Hrabal's cottage to be declared a cultural monument

Prague - The Central Bohemian Region wants the cottage of writer Bohumil Hrabal in Kersko in the Nymburk district to become a cultural monument. According to the regional authority, the property managed by the regional Polabské Museum has an exceptionally significant cultural and historical value. The council today decided that the region will prepare a proposal to declare Hrabal's cottage a cultural monument, informed the spokesperson of the regional authority, Michal Rapco, to ČTK.

The Ministry of Culture declares as cultural monuments immovable and movable objects, or collections thereof, that have a direct connection to significant personalities and historical events. A statement from the owner is also part of the administrative process. Therefore, the council discussed the proposal to declare the cottage a cultural monument and gave an advance approval.

According to the regional councilor for culture, Václav Švenda, the cottage represents a remarkable testament to the life of the world-renowned writer at the site of his residence and creation. "Kersko has an absolutely specific atmosphere that reflects the roots of Hrabal's work. The cottage and its surroundings are also significantly connected and popularized in the famous work of Bohumil Hrabal, as well as in acclaimed films based on the writer's originals. All of this deserves future protection, and the best guarantee of that is the status of a cultural monument," stated Švenda.

The cottage, where Bohumil Hrabal (1914 to 1997) wrote most of his books, especially in the 1970s, was acquired by him in 1965. Between 1967 and 1970, he made structural modifications, added an upper floor, and a garage, above which a glassed veranda was created. Before his death, he donated the property to the son of his neighbor, who added a bathroom and kitchen. The region bought the cottage in 2021 for nearly ten million crowns, and it was opened last May as a so-called house museum. After the reconstruction, it returned to its form from the 1980s when the writer stayed in the cottage. Part of the exhibition consists of original furnishings from the collections of the Polabské Museum, and the authentic impression is also enhanced by period items that the museum received from donors. The Polabské Museum also includes the Local History Museum in Nymburk, which has long managed a permanent exhibition of Bohumil Hrabal.