The sun baths are almost as good as new. A spa museum and an exhibition of Luhačovice greats will be built here

The Sun Baths' arena was built at the beginning of the 20th century according to the design of architect Dušan Jurkovič. Its greatest fame was during the period of the First Republic, when guests were treated, bathed and sunbathed here. But then they began to prefer more modern buildings and the historic site gradually began to deteriorate.

In March 2021, a major reconstruction of the building was launched, and this important place will soon be among the tourist attractions of Luhačovice. The most significant interventions have been made to the historically and architecturally valuable central Hydrotherapy Institute, while the River and Sun Baths, the Sulphur and Peat Baths and the technical building of the former boiler house and laundry have undergone minor modifications.

The unused spa buildings will be turned into a museum exhibition serving as a unique document of the spa industry and cultural atmosphere of the early 20th century. The exposition will be available to visitors in three tours. The first will be dedicated to the history of the Water Treatment Institute, the personality of Dušan Jurkovič and the work of Leoš Janáček. The second will take visitors through the River and Sun Baths exhibition and the third circuit will include a depository of spa technologies and an exhibition of thermophilic plants.

The unique swimming pool fed by a local river will remain part of the relaxation zone in the second tour circuit. It will no longer be used for swimming. "It hasn't served its function since the 1990s. The pool will be turned into a habitat," said Hana Felcmanová, director of the Sun Baths.

In addition to standard visitor use, the area will also provide facilities for exhibitions and other programs of the Museum of Southeast Moravia in Zlín.

"The Sun and River Spa in Luhačovice is an exceptional work of architect Dušan Jurkovič and after successful restoration aspires to the status of a national cultural monument. I am therefore very pleased that the Museum of Southeast Moravia, established by the region, will have one floor dedicated to it, where it will be able to hold exhibitions," said Zuzana Fišerová, the Zlín Region's councillor for culture, adding that at least three different exhibitions are to be held here each year.

The renovated area of the Sun Baths should open in the spring, before the season starts. The total cost of the reconstruction will exceed 150 million crowns, half of which will be covered by European subsidies.

Categories: Tourism, What to do in Luhačovice, Spa, Why to Luhačovice, Luhačovice, Spa Luhačovice, Dusan Jurkovic, Sights, Reconstruction, Sun Spa