Speech of the Prime Minister of the CR, Mirek Topolánek on the occasion of ceremonial transfer of the building of the FA to the National Museum

"Under the golden cupola of the new museum palace, a new story took place, unusual so far, as far as the Czech nation is concerned". By this the sentence introduced the Hlas Národa daily on the title page its detailed news concerning opening ceremony at the Museum of the Czech Kingdom.

The entire article covered more than three pages of dense text without a photography. We cannot expect, in times of brief media news, more than a short news item. But it should not spoil our pleasure of the fact that for the first time since foundation of the National Museum this institution wins an opportunity to grow up significantly.

As you certainly know the government transferred free of charge the building of the former Federal Assembly to the National Museum. I thank the Director of the National Museum, Michal Lukeš, as well as to the Minister of Culture, Martin Štěpánek that they had got me and the government to do it. They have been really lobbying very hard for that. I believe that the National Museum will make the best of the chance offered. And I believe that both present and future generations will appreciate this effort.

In conclusion, allow me to cite from the opening speech of the archducal Karl Ludwig, brother of the emperor Franz Joseph: "I am convinced that this institution, which was founded in order to devote itself seriously to science and to support local art, will fulfil its task for the benefit of the Czech nation."