The relocation of the sculpture Christ on the Cross by J. V. Myslbek, which is the property of AVU, has aroused considerable public interest on social media and the media at large. The sculpture remains in its current location, but in view of the discussions taking place, we feel it is necessary to correct some erroneous information and offer some facts.

The management of AVU planned to move the statue from the school’s main building to the AVU Modern Gallery, where a number of other sculptures are on display. In addition, the gallery is home to the studio for the restoration of painting and polychrome sculpture and the studio for the restoration of statues. Christ on the Cross hangs on AVU’s main building in a busy location where large artworks and materials are often being transported, an unfortunate consequence of the chronic lack of space that AVU suffers from. The sculpture is not at present in an ideal technical condition. In this respect we feel obliged to refute certain disinformation claiming that the work has been at some point intentionally damaged by students or employees.

This plan to move the sculpture has re-opened the question of the location of a unique, monumental religious symbol in a representative and highly frequented place in a public university. The relocation of the sculpture reflects the institutional commitment of the art school to maintain neutrality regarding religious symbols, not to base any of its functions as set forth in the Statue on said symbols, all the while respecting and guaranteeing the plurality of freedom of religion.

The management of AVU does not question the artistic value and historical importance of the sculpture. This is one of the reasons it considers it more appropriate that Christ on the Cross be incorporated into the sculpture collection located in the AVU Modern Gallery. This venue will offer visitors the opportunity to appreciate the sculpture’s extraordinary qualities against the backdrop of art history, rather than condemning the work to stand alone and without context.

As with a number of other issues that are dealt with by AVU on a daily basis, there are divergent opinions at the school. The AVU management sees diversity of opinion as the genetic base of an academic institution and as a huge asset and advantage for the academic community.

Statement by the management of the Academy of Fine Arts (AVU) of 20 May 2024 on the transfer of the sculpture Christ on the Cross, 1890, by Josef Václav Myslbek within the school’s own premises