This was stated by Jan Vinduška, director of the Elbe Museum, who is involved in the preparation of the exhibition on the writer.

“People may be disappointed with what it looks like now, but it really is in the state in which the original owners left it, moreover, the real negotiations took place only a few days ago,” Vinduška said today.

According to him, the building has fallen into disrepair since Hrabal’s death and the previous owners have done only minimal maintenance. The region plans to make adjustments to the cottage as it was when Hrabal stayed in it as much as possible next year. In addition to the museum’s participation, the National Literature Memorial is also involved in the preparation and operation of the exhibition, which will open in 2024.

The exhibition should include Hrabal’s personal objects and envisages the use of the so-called augmented reality, which will add other attractions to the space. A new building with facilities for visitors will be created on the plot.

The Museum of National History in Nymburk, which is part of the Elbe Museum, has long managed Bohumil Hrabal’s permanent exhibition. Part of it, especially the objects coming directly from the cottage, will be moved to the original premises in Kersk. Among the exhibits on display could be, for example, Hrabal’s typewriters, a storage stove or a bicycle.

The Central Bohemian Region bought the cottage for 9.9 million crowns. Thanks to negotiations reduced the original price of almost 12 million, the owners demanded through an advertisement last July.

The opening of the writer’s cottages on the first Saturday in February from 10:00 to 16:00 is part of a reverential event for 25 years without Hrabal, organized by the Bohumil Hrabal Readers’ Club.