Project of the Depository and Gallery
of Contemporary Czech Animation,
Malešov near Kutná Hora.
MUSEUM OF CZECH ANIMATION MALEŠOV
Saving the Future History of Czech Animation
We aim to build a respectable exhibition space and depository for contemporary Czech animation.
OUR MISSION
INTRODUCTION
In 2022, the exhibition Worlds of Czech Animation took place in Prague. The exhibition mapped the process of creation of animated films and individual animation techniques. It also included an exhibition of artifacts from films that have become classics as well as contemporary ones.
During its preparation, we encountered the sad fact that only a few artifacts from older Czech puppet films remain. Large objects like sets and smaller items such as puppets and props are rare, often in poor condition. While some families of famous creators preserve our cultural heritage, most of these treasures are irretrievably lost.
Unfortunately, the studios where these films were created, and where the artifacts were stored, no longer exist, and the permanent exhibition of Czech animation at Kratochvíle Castle has also perished.
We greatly appreciate the longstanding efforts of Anifilm to establish the House of Czech Animation, but the project’s capacity is not enough to preserve the entirety of Czech animation heritage.
Czech animation, including puppet animation, has recently experienced a resurgence. After overcoming challenges such as the economic shifts of the 1990s and the transition from short films to feature-length formats, it now produces an unprecedented number of high-quality films, many of which have achieved international success and recognition. This growth has led to the creation of unique puppets, props, sets, and a wealth of artistic designs, scripts, and sketches.
We are now in a position of having the unique opportunity to save and preserve newly created artifacts for the future, allowing time, rather than decay, to determine what will be forgotten and what will become a classic. Our goal is to build an depository and a dignified exhibition space so that future generations of fans, not only of animation but also of craftsmanship and fine arts, can enjoy these treasures.
THAT IS WHY WE WANT TO BUILD A MUSEUM OF CZECH ANIMATED FILM IN MALEŠOV.
Help us save the unique animated worlds! Support the creation of a depository and gallery of contemporary Czech animation in Malešov with your vote.
YOUR MISSION
DEPOSITORY
Rescue of unique artifacts from Czech animated films, their safe storage and cataloging.
GALLERY
Exhibitions of sets, puppets and other artifacts from new and classic Czech animated films.
TALKS
Meeting filmmakers, connecting the professional and lay community, connecting with specific exhibitions.
WORKSHOPS
Nahlédnutí pod pokličku nejkrásnějšího povolání na světě pod vedením zkušených lektorů.
WHO IS BEHIND THE PROJECT
Host of cultural programmes on Czech Television and Czech Radio.
Acquisition manager at HBO Europe.
Saša MICHAILIDIS
Director of animated films.
Vfx supervisor and 3D animator. Curator.
Jan BUBENÍČEK
Director of animated films. Production designer, painter and illustrator.
Denisa GRIMMOVÁ
Author of numerous cartoon movies and series.
Long-time educator. Winner of one golden and four silver bears at the Berlinale.
Pavel KOUTSKÝ
Key figure of the project. Director of the Museum of Czech Animation Malešov. Owner of the Malešov Fortress, entrepreneur.
Ondřej SLAČÁLEK
Patron of the project. Playwright, screenwriter and director of animated films. Long-time educator, founder of the Department of Animation at FAMU.
Prof. Jiří KUBÍČEK
WHY MALEŠOV
Malešov is special for a unique anomaly—having the highest concentration of Czech animation personalities per square meter. Because of this, it has awarded itself the prestigious title of "THE CAPITAL OF CZECH ANIMATION" and plans to establish its own puppet government (as soon as it's carved).
Irony aside, though, it is true that Malešov has risen from the ashes. Ten years ago, it had virtually no tourists. Now, the restored fortress, brewery, new accommodation options, cafes, and shops attract thousands of visitors annually, including companies and couples looking for wedding venues.
A museum has been established, creatively showcasing the local and global history and personalities of significance.
Amid this lively and creative atmosphere, the idea took root: Malešov, home to several prominent Czech animators, has a unique entrepreneurial spirit. The local businesses are willing to reinvest in the community’s development rather than just seek profit. Its proximity to Kutná Hora makes it an ideal spot to attract more visitors and create an institution aimed at preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of Czech animation.
FOR ALL THESE REASONS ONLY MALEŠOV,
THE CAPITAL OF CZECH ANIMATION !!!
WHAT WE ALREADY HAVE
We have a building of the former Baroque malt house, which is part of the Malešov Fortress complex. Its owner, Ondřej Slačálek, has generously offered it free of charge for the purpose of establishing the exhibition.
BUILDING
We have an architectural project for the reconstruction of the building. We plan to rebuild the historic malt house into a modern exhibition space.
PROJECT
CONCEPT
We have a framework concept for the functioning of the museum as an institution. We are working on connecting our museum with the official structures of Czech culture.
➝ 4 FLOORS
➝ 700㎡ OF EXHIBITION SPACE
➝ 250㎡ MULTIFUNCTIONAL
GROUND FLOOR
➝ EXHIBITIONS
➝ LECTURES
➝ SCREENINGS
➝ CULTURAL EVENTS
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Support us with the weight of your authority within this site! Let us make your support public (see below).
SUPPORT
Help us spread the word to as large a community of potential project supporters as possible.
SHARING
ACTION
Stay in touch with us and help us spread the word as much as possible at the right time about the launch of the crowdfunding campaign, which we plan to kick off in the summer of 2025.
WHO SUPPORTS US
Vladimír Lhoták
Producer of animated films.
Prof. Jiří Kubíček
Playwright, screenwriter and director of animated films. Founder of the Animation department at FAMU.
Ondřej Slačálek
Owner of the Malešov Fortress, entrepreneur.
Pavel Koutský
Illustrator, director and animator. Author of numerous cartoon movies and series.
Denisa Grimmová
Designer and director of animated films. Painter, illustrator.
Jan Bubeníček
Designer and director of animated films. Vfx supervizor, 3d animator.
Saša Michailidis
Host of cultural programmes on Czech Television and Czech Radio. Acquisition manager at HBO Europe.