Prague City Gallery launches campaign to restore Mácha monument on Petřín

Every year, on May 1st — the Czech equivalent of Valentine’s Day — couples flock to Prague’s Petřín Hill to kiss beneath the statue of Czech romantic poet Karel Hynek Mácha, author of the iconic epic poem Máj. However, after more than a century, the historic monument is in need of restoration. To support the effort, the Prague City Gallery has launched a public campaign aiming to raise CZK 250,000. I discussed the initiative with Magdalena Juříková, head of the Prague City Gallery.

When was the statue of Karel Hynek Mácha created, and who was involved in its creation?

Josef Václav Myslbek|Photo repro: Zlatá Praha, roč. 27, č. 23, 1909-10

“The sculpture was created by Josef Václav Myslbek, the founder of Czech modern sculpture. This is the same artist who worked for almost 20 years on the St. Wenceslas Monument at Wenceslas Square. Mácha’s memorial dates from 1910-1911 and was commissioned by Svatobor, an association supporting novelists and poets since the 19th century.”

As you said, the statue is over 100 years old. What is the current state of the statue, and what needs to be restored?

“The condition of the statue is adequate for its age. Bronze sculptures don't require a full restoration, but rather surface cleaning and conservation with wax. Additionally, some work is needed on the stone base, such as repairing the inscriptions, for example.”

Photo: Lenka Žižková, Radio Prague International

Why did the Prague City Gallery decide to launch a public fundraising campaign for this restoration, and how has the public responded so far?

Magdalena Juříková|Photo: Tomáš Vodňanský, Czech Radio

„Fundraising will help us maintain many more statues and monuments in the best condition, while also drawing public attention to this important aspect of public space. It will help people understand that it's not self-evident for sculptures to remain in good condition, especially when they are over a hundred years old. After one month of the campaign, we’ve received an interesting response, and to date, we’ve raised almost a quarter of the funds we need.”

How many public sculptures in Prague is the City Gallery responsible for, and how do you decide which ones are most in need of restoration?

Photo: Kristýna Maková, Radio Prague International

“The City Gallery is responsible for around 260 public sculptures. We monitor their condition through regular checks and research, supported by both our in-house and external restorers. Based on these assessments, we prioritize which sculptures require immediate restoration, cleaning, or periodic care, including the removal of graffiti or text.”

Many people visit the Karel Hynek Mácha statue on Prague's Petřín Hill on the 1st of May. Do you think the restoration will be completed in time for this year’s celebration?

“We are working hard to complete at least the surface cleaning before the 1st of May. The full conservation work, including waxing, will likely continue after that date.”