Heaven of Moravian Wallachia is an imaginary place where the prayers and pleas of the faithful rise, where the souls of the departed find peace, and from where light and warmth shine down on all beneath the heavenly dome. The exhibition presents the spiritual life and rare artworks from churches and chapels in the region between the two Bečva Rivers. The opening ceremony takes place on Sunday, May 4 at 5 pm.
The most renowned pilgrimage sites in the region (including the original Madonna of Moravian Wallachia by Adolf Liebscher), the stories of miraculous Madonnas (Our Lady of Zašová and Hostýn) and long-lost chapels will be introduced through preserved artworks. The long history of spiritual culture in the region will be represented by rare Bible incunabula from the 15th century, secretly preserved Protestant prints, and richly illustrated editions of the Bible.
To whom did the faithful of Moravian Wallachia turn in times of hardship? This role was fulfilled by statues and paintings of saints—tangible spiritual intercessors and patrons for various trades and life situations. The power of Marian devotion is illustrated through iconographic types of Madonnas typically found in chapels and homes, along with a practical demonstration of how the prayer corners in devout households once looked in the foothills of the Beskydy Mountains.
Most of the exhibits are works that have not been displayed since they lost their original sacred function. For the first time, visitors will see statues from the women’s prison chapel in Valašské Meziříčí, sculptures saved from the Libavá military training area, and Baroque pieces from castle in Vsetín, Halenkov and Branky. Some works have undergone restoration and regained their former appearance. The most impressive exhibit is the Corpus Christi Altar, which once dominated the Corpus Christi celebrations in the main square of Valašské Meziříčí, later stood in the hall of the local grammar school, and has spent the last century hidden in storage. The exhibition also includes small devotional items from pilgrimages—objects remembered fondly by many as part of their grandparents’ homes.
The opening event on Sunday, May 4 at 5 pm will feature introductory words from the curators and musical accompaniment by Jana Hrabovská and Apolena Kovářová, students of solo singing at the Alfréd Radok Elementary Art School in Valašské Meziříčí, under the direction of Mr. Daniel Poledňák. Accompanying the exhibition will be a lecture on the Cult of St. John of Nepomuk in Moravian Wallachia (May 16), an educational program for children, a competition, as well as night and guided tours.
