The Museum

Štěpán Zavřel Museum

The Štěpán Zavřel Museum is symbolically located at the heart of Sarmede, serving as a tribute to the man who inspired the transformation of this corner of the world.
In 2016, the museum space was reimagined and enriched under the artistic direction of Mexican artist Gabriel Pacheco. He describes Zavřel as an artist of air and stone, always gazing at the sky like an ancient pilgrim guided by the stars. He sought and transformed rock, leaving traces of this journey through existence in every one of his works, imbued with his faith. The museum offers an exploration of Zavřel’s world, a small journey through his layers, his colors, his materials, his ideas, and his dreams.

Sixty original works are organized into six sections, revealing the artist’s innovative and contemporary vision. The themes explore his relationship with materials such as stone and wood, his poetic and artistic canon, the interplay of colors and reflections, the significance of memory and matter, his connection to air and minerals, and his unique interpretation of modernity.
The museum is housed within the Sarmede Town Hall, a building that has been transformed over the years by the creative spirit that defines this place. Every corner bears the mark of imagination: the external sundial, designed by Zavřel himself, marks the passage of time, while the arched façade pays homage to local saints. The entrance is a fairy-tale world brought to life through murals, wooden and metal sculptures, leading to the Council Hall, where a fresco by Polish illustrator Józef Wilkoń adorns the walls. Stepping inside means entering a realm suspended between reality and fantasy, where whimsical, smiling imaginary creatures welcome visitors.
This is a place shaped by many hands, yet it carries the unmistakable imprint of Štěpán Zavřel and his friend and contemporary, Józef Wilkoń.