Sluneční Lázně in Luhačovice has received the prestigious Gloria musaealis award in the Museum Achievement of the Year category
The project Sluneční Lázně: Restoration of the Heritage Complex of the Hydrotherapy Institute in Luhačovice, entered into the 23rd year of the National Museum Competition Gloria musaealis by the Museum of South-East Moravia in Zlín in cooperation with Lázně Luhačovice, a.s., has won the main Gloria musaealis 2024 prize in the Museum Achievement of the Year category. The award ceremony took place on 15 May 2025 in the Smetana Hall of the Municipal House in Prague.
The restored complex of the Hydrotherapy Institute and Sluneční Lázně in Luhačovice was created through the reconstruction of disused spa buildings and now serves as a unique testimony to spa culture and the cultural atmosphere of the early 20th century. This complex, originally built by architect Dušan Jurkovič at the beginning of the 20th century, underwent a demanding restoration that sensitively respected its historical value while bringing it closer to contemporary visitors. At its heart is the restored Hydrotherapy Institute building with an exhibition dedicated to the history of the site, the work of Slovak architect Dušan Jurkovič, and the relationship of composer Leoš Janáček with Luhačovice.
"The award is a great recognition for us and a confirmation that our vision of reviving Sluneční Lázně was the right one. It is an award for the entire team — from the architect and project author, through the contractor, to Lázně Luhačovice, a.s., the owner of the complex and investor behind this restoration. A key role was played by respect for the historical value of the building and the legacy of our predecessors. Our aim was to preserve the original character of Jurkovič's architecture while at the same time restoring the social and cultural life of this exceptional place. For us it is a recognition of several years of work," said MUDr. Eduard Bláha, Chairman of the Board of Lázně Luhačovice, a.s.
"We also greatly value the collaboration with the Museum of South-East Moravia in Zlín, specifically with the Museum of the Luhačovice Zálesí Region, which contributes to the creation of the part of the exhibition dedicated to temporary displays. Thanks to them, visitors to Sluneční Lázně can regularly discover new stories and themes — such as ballooning in Luhačovice, Bedřich Smetana, the history of spa treatment, or Jurkovič's cemeteries. The museum also organises thematic lectures to accompany the exhibitions, enriching the cultural offering of Sluneční Lázně. We warmly invite all visitors to come and discover the uniqueness of Sluneční Lázně for themselves," added Ing. Hana Felcmanová, director of Sluneční Lázně.
The reconstruction of the complex took place between 2021 and 2024. The total investment exceeded CZK 150 million, of which approximately CZK 70 million consists of IROP grants. The remaining portion was financed by Lázně Luhačovice, a.s. The restoration project was designed by architect Petr Všetečka.
The National Museum Competition Gloria musaealis is announced by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, the Association of Museums and Galleries of the Czech Republic, and the Czech ICOM Committee, with the aim of supporting and recognising outstanding achievements of Czech museums. This year's competition attracted 72 institutions submitting a total of 110 projects — the second highest number of projects and institutions in the history of the competition.
The awarded projects will also be presented as part of the National Opening of the Museum Night Festival, whose 21st edition will be launched on Friday, 16 May 2025 from 14:00 in Luhačovice.