Acta Musealia

The Role of a Museum at the Turn of the 20th Century An Example of Valašské Meziříčí (1884-1914)

In the second half of the 19th century, the town of Valašské Meziříčí began fast development. This process was apparent particularly in cultural and social spheres. Many clubs and societies as well as schools were established, and, amongst others, also a museum. A lawyer, JUDr. Alois Mikyška, who moved to the region of Wallachia from Prague in 1863, often initiated establishment of these ventures. It was also he, who instigated establishment of the local Museum Society (18th January 1884). This society, headed by Mikyška, then organised the museum and its collections. Attention is therefore focused on the running of the institution, key leading figures and their conception of the museum activities. Out of this issues an effort to clarify the role of a museum in a small town, which Valašské Meziříčí undoubtedly was, at the turn of the 20th century. From the available documents it is possible to trace the political dimension of establishing the museum with regard to the personality of JuDr. Mikyška. The Museum and the Museum Society, however, represented mainly an educational and public enlightenment institution, into which researchers from the whole region, who fulfilled an accumulation and monumental roles, concentrated. From this point of view, it is necessary to emphasise the personality of Eduard Domluvil. Through its projects and activities, the Museum created and reinforced the identity of local region and its inhabitants. This was also projected into the name of the museum - Museum of Wallachia in Valašské Meziříčí. Conclusions of this article may, in the future, serve as a certain comparison to establish whether the same characteristics could be also ascribed to other museums established at that time.

Keywords: Wallachia, Museum Society, Alois Mikyška, Eduard Domluvil, identity, exhibitions