Basic information
The ceremonial hall in the building, which was built between 1873 and 1875, is decorated on all walls and the ceiling in the style of Neo-Renaissance decorativism with elements of Baroque illusionism. Looking at the decoration of the hall, the viewer is fascinated by the density and complexity of the scenes and ornamental elements. The painted decoration depicts many allegorical scenes, mythological scenes, figures, all set in ornamental frames and complemented by decorative ornamentation.
Similar painted decoration on such a scale and execution is unique, which has no comparison in the country. The main author of the fresco decoration, which involved several artists, is probably the painter José Hilber, and was created in 1892.
It is an all-over historicizing painting executed with glue and tempera paints on an older smooth plaster from the time of the school’s completion, in 1875. The hall is lit mainly by the central eight-arm metal chandelier, which was originally gas-powered. There is also an ornate metal grille under one of the balconies, covering the hot-air vent. The floor is covered with original oak parquet.
The importance of the school itself is confirmed by its history. The primary reason for this generous building was not only the practical need for new premises, but also the desire to raise the prestige of education in Olomouc. The idea of building the school attracted the attention of Emperor Franz Joseph I himself, who took patronage of the building and personally visited the school after its opening.
The hall underwent several years of demanding reconstruction under the guidance of the restorer Radomír Surma. It has been open to the public since 2019 (always in July and August as part of tours organised by the Olomouc Information Centre).