At the head of the Vlastivědné Museum Olomouc stands a new director, it is led by Jakub Ráliš

Olomouc – The director of the Museum of Natural History in Olomouc (VMO) Jakub Ráliš intends to focus primarily on the modern operation of the museum, on expanding storage facilities, and on building new exhibitions. He has taken over the leadership of one of the largest cultural institutions in the region as of today, replacing longtime director Břetislav Holásek. Ráliš, who succeeded in the selection process, was previously the director of the artistic center Academia Film Olomouc.

"The Olomouc museum is a large traditional institution, and therefore it must draw good examples from similar institutions both in our country and abroad. It should not be a theme park or a closed archive. As a model, we will take, for example, the developments at the National Museum in the last five years and the approach of its team to museum pedagogy and communication with the public, as well as to professional activities and the building of new exhibitions," Ráliš told ČTK.

One of his main goals in office will be to address the problem of the shortage or emergency state of storage facilities. "We must not forget that the Olomouc museum is the second largest in terms of the number of collection items after the National Museum, and these collections deserve a dignified and safe environment for their preservation for future generations," Ráliš noted.

According to him, a fundamental change in the attractiveness of VMO will be the reconstruction or refurbishment of the interior spaces of the main museum building, which will correspond to the needs and standards of museum activities in the 21st century. "Furthermore, we will strive, for example, to establish a new history exhibition in the main building, complete the reconstruction of the castle in Čechy pod Kosířem, or to launch an interdisciplinary project focusing on the unique area of Libavska,” he added.

As a director, he wants to emphasize quality in the coming years, strengthen lecture activities for the widest possible audience, collaborate with Palacký University, and also create programs for school groups.

Ráliš assumed office at a time when detectives from the NCOZ are investigating suspicions of corrupt activities and manipulation of public contracts funded by European Union resources; so far, one person has been charged with passive bribery and money laundering.

The tense atmosphere was the reason for the former director Holásek's quicker departure - he originally intended to leave his position at the end of January. According to Ráliš, the atmosphere in the museum has already calmed down. "Projects associated with the investigation are now undergoing detailed examination by the region. After my arrival, there will be an audit of projects and financing activities within VMO with the aim of clarifying and overall calming the situation,” the new director noted. He is also planning a personnel change in project teams involving experienced project managers from the public sector.