František Kmoch

The František Kmoch Monument stands on Kmochův ostrov (Kmoch's Island) in Kolín, honoring one of the most celebrated Czech bandmasters and composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries — the man behind the famous march "Kolíne, Kolíne." It's a modest site, but one that carries real weight for locals, who still gather here for events tied to the composer's legacy and his brass band.

Who was František Kmoch?

František Kmoch (1848–1912) spent his professional life in Kolín, where he led the town's brass band, later known as Kmochova hudba. He became famous for his catchy marches and polkas, the best known of which, "Kolíne, Kolíne," is still tied to the town's identity almost as closely as its coat of arms.

When was the monument built, and who designed it?

The idea of building a monument moved fast: a public fundraising campaign was launched just a month after the bandmaster's death, initiated by the local Sokol organization together with the town authorities. The money raised covered the entire cost of the project. Based on the signature on the piece, the bust is attributed to Kolín sculptor Jan Drobník. Given the high quality of the work, some involvement of his younger brother Václav Drobník — a student of the noted sculptor Josef Václav Myslbek — has not been ruled out. The bronze bust and memorial plaque were cast by the Prague firm Bendelmayer a Červenka. The monument was formally unveiled on 27 July 1913, with a large crowd in attendance and Kmochova hudba playing.

Where exactly does the monument stand?

The monument sits on Kmochův ostrov, a small island on the Elbe river in Kolín that today carries the composer's name; it was previously known as Dolejší ostrov. Its coordinates are roughly 50°1'57"N, 15°11'42"E. The monument is owned by the city of Kolín.

What happened to the monument over the years?

Its history hasn't been entirely smooth. In 1941, during the wartime occupation, the reference to the Kolín Sokol organization was removed from the plaque after the group was banned by the occupying authorities. Two years later, in 1943, both the bust and the plaque were taken down as part of wartime metal requisitioning. After the war, the bust was recast, and the monument was unveiled again on 1 August 1948. A further restoration was carried out in 1983 by Jan and Ladislav Kamarýt. In 2008, the original bronze plaque was replaced with a laminate replica to protect the original from further wear.

Why is it worth a visit?

For visitors exploring Kolín, the Kmoch monument is more than a photo stop — it's a way to understand how deeply the town is tied to its brass-band and folk-music traditions. Kmochův ostrov itself is a quiet riverside spot popular with locals for a walk, and the monument adds a layer of history to that everyday scenery.

Frequently asked questions

Who was František Kmoch? A Czech composer and bandmaster (1848–1912) closely tied to Kolín, best known for the march "Kolíne, Kolíne."

When was the monument unveiled? On 27 July 1913, and again on 1 August 1948 after wartime damage.

Who created the monument? Sculptor Jan Drobník, possibly with help from his brother Václav Drobník.

Where is the monument located? On Kmochův ostrov in Kolín, an island on the Elbe that now bears the composer's name.

Is the monument original? Only partly — the bust was recast after World War II, and the bronze plaque was replaced with a laminate copy in 2008.