A giant inflatable sculpture will celebrate the anniversary of Bohuslav Fuchs

(Press Release, Brno, March 19, 2025) As part of the celebration of the 130th anniversary of the birth of the prominent architect Bohuslav Fuchs, an unusual artistic installation in the form of a large inflatable sculpture will appear in the streets. The ceremonial unveiling of the unique artistic object will take place during the opening of the exhibition project "The New World of Bohuslav Fuchs and Rudolf Sandal" at Špilberk Castle on Fuchs' birthday, March 24, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

The project “Slávy Fuchs”, created by professors from the Faculty of Architecture at the Brno University of Technology – architectural historian Rostislav Koryčánek, sculptor Jan Šebánek, and architect Jaroslav Sedlák – aims to remind us of Fuchs' buildings and his contribution to the transformation of modern Brno. The inflatable sculpture corresponds to Fuchs’ approach to architecture, which emphasized functionality, the materials and technologies used, and at the same time, aesthetic harmony. Project initiator Rostislav Koryčánek adds: “The pneumatic sculpture plays with the idea of whether Bohuslav Fuchs, as an architect of European stature, should not have a classic sculpture in the city where he worked. And if so, where should it stand. At the same time, we say that the best sculptural monuments are his buildings, if we take good care of them.”

In order to attract attention and showcase the quality of Fuchs' work, the creators of the sculpture chose an unconventional way of execution. They invited the Brno company Kubíček Factory, a leading manufacturer of hot air balloons Kubíček Balloons, design inflatables Kubíček Visionair, and ultralight aircraft Kubíček Aircraft, to collaborate, and the designed shape was stitched from balloon fabric. “Just as Bohuslav Fuchs discovered new possibilities in architecture, we are constantly exploring the limits of materials and air. The combination of art and technology in this project shows that even traditional materials can have unexpected uses and appeal to a wide audience,” said sales representative, Jan Procházka.

Thus, a transformable and easily transportable object was created, and its transport through the city was entrusted to the company Švihé Synku. The inflatable sculpture is transported on a trailer pulled by a cargo bicycle. Company founder Erik Nálepka justified the project’s support by saying: “Our aim is to change transport habits, including the transportation of goods, and offer ways of transport that are more beneficial for the city and life in it. The bicycle is a proven means in many other places, which, when prioritized, calms traffic, increases safety, and brings life back to areas congested with fast-moving or stationary cars. It leads to greater sensitivity to the city as well as to its history. Similarly, the Slávy Fuchs project, which we want to support for this reason.”

The sculpture will appear in front of seven selected Fuchs buildings for several days. To provide complex information about the buildings, QR codes will be available, directing visitors to the database of the Brno Architectural Manual, which is the most comprehensive resource for exploring Brno's architecture. BAM coordinator Veronika Jičínská states: “BAM is one of the long-term projects of the Brno House of Art, whose extensive post-war reconstruction was entrusted to architect Bohuslav Fuchs. The fact that there are around forty buildings in the database – ranging from villas, apartment houses, hotels to schools or ceremonial halls – shows how exceptionally productive an architect he was. Bohuslav Fuchs' buildings are an integral part of Brno's architectural heritage.”

The presence of the sculpture in the streets will also draw attention to other events related to Fuchs' anniversary celebrations. The “Slávy Fuchs” project will also be supported by TIC BRNO, which recognizes the tourist potential of Brno’s architecture and cannot miss celebrating this significant anniversary.

“Brno architecture is one of the main destination themes we use to promote Brno in the Czech Republic and abroad. The Slávy Fuchs project is one of twelve that will be realized this year with the support of the City of Brno and aims to present Fuchs from different perspectives. You can find the projects gradually on the gotobrno.cz website in the Events and Festivals category. The genre includes a wide range of exhibitions, lectures, workshops, as well as interventions in public spaces and performances. On gotobrno.cz, you will also find a new article ‘The Phenomenon of Brno – Fuchs 130’, where you can read, for example, how his granddaughter, Mrs. Pavla Seitlová, remembers her grandfather,” summarized Jana Janulíková, director of TIC BRNO.

Bohuslav Fuchs (1895–1972) was a key figure in Brno's architecture and design. His functionalist buildings, thoughtful urban planning concepts, and pedagogical work shaped the face of modern Brno and the development of Czech architecture. His works, such as Hotel Avion, Zeman’s Café, Moravian Bank, Zábrdovice Baths, and the railway post office, have become symbols of modern Brno. His works are characterized by innovative use of materials, elegant proportions, and harmonious integration into the urban environment. Fuchs' urban concept emphasized functional zoning of the city, connection with nature, and social aspects of housing. As a teacher at the Brno University of Technology, he trained generations of architects and designers. His pedagogical work focused on linking theory with practice and supporting students' individual talents.

Buildings in front of which the inflatable sculpture of Bohuslav Fuchs will appear from March to June:

Hotel Avion: An iconic functionalist building in the center of Brno from 1927. It stands out for its thoughtful spatial design, lighting effects, and elegant interior.

Moravian Bank: A striking building in Svobody Square in Brno from 1930, in which Fuchs collaborated with Arnošt Wiesner. Its elegant façade with glass surfaces and characteristic clock has become a symbol of modern Brno.

Masaryk Student Dormitory: In 1930, Bohuslav Fuchs completed the building for collective student housing, demonstrating the possibilities of modern architecture in the creation of student accommodation.

Zábrdovice Municipal Baths: A functionalist building from 1931 that served as a public bathhouse. Its simple and purposeful design reflects the effort to ensure hygiene and health for as many residents as possible.

Reconstruction of the House of Art: The war-damaged House of Art was cleaned of decorative elements by Fuchs in 1946, with additional spaces added. The result is one of the most beautiful exhibition spaces in the Czech Republic.

Bus Station at Hotel Grand: The current station represents only one-third of the planned design. The completed first platform from 1948 with a shell-shaped concrete roof and delicate columns is still one of the first Fuchs' objects that visitors to Brno encounter.

Red Army Memorial: A monumental memorial in Moravian Square in Brno, unveiled on the 10th anniversary of the liberation from the fascist regime, built in collaboration with sculptor Vincenc Makovský and architect Antonín Kurial. Fuchs contributed to the modification and architectural enhancement of the public space.

The Slávy Fuchs Project was created at the Faculty of Architecture at BUT and is supported by TIC BRNO, Brno House of Art in collaboration with Kubíček Factory and Švihé Synku. Detailed information about the project can be found on the FA BUT website. The project is supported by the City of Brno.

Graphic design: Alina Matějová
Render/illustration: Šimon Klein

Media contact:

Rostislav Koryčánek, korycanek.r@vutbr.cz, +420 777 1924 74

Lucie Tran, tran@vutbr.cz, +420 608 620 713