Josef Merhaut Memorial

The Josef Merhaut Memorial is a modest but meaningful monument in Lužánky Park in Brno – a bust honouring a Czech writer, journalist and theatre critic who was one of the leading figures of Moravian literary life at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. For anyone strolling through Brno's largest park, it's a quiet stop that pairs greenery with a piece of local literary history.

Who was Josef Merhaut?

Josef Merhaut (1863–1907) spent most of his life in Brno, working as a journalist and theatre critic while also writing prose rooted in the city's everyday life. His stories and novels portrayed the working-class suburbs and ordinary residents of Brno with clear social sympathy, at times taking on an accusatory tone toward the injustices of the era. His writing style was impressionistic and mood-driven, setting him apart from the more classical realist prose common at the time. Merhaut is regarded today as one of the leading authors of Moravian literature of his generation, and his work remains a valuable window into the Brno of that period.

Where is the memorial and what does it look like?

The bust stands at a crossing of paths in Lužánky Park, Brno's largest public park and a favourite spot for locals to walk and relax. The sculpture, depicting the writer at slightly larger than life-size, was created by Czech sculptor Emil Hlavica. The front of the pedestal bears a raised metal inscription reading "SPISOVATEL JOSEF MERHAUT" (Writer Josef Merhaut), identifying the man commemorated.

What is the history behind the memorial?

The bust was not always in its current spot. It was unveiled in 1929 at Náměstí 28. října square in the centre of Brno, and only a decade later, in 1939, was it relocated to Lužánky Park, where it still stands. Moving monuments during the interwar years and just before the Second World War was not unusual in Brno, as the city centre's layout changed and parks became a natural setting for monuments to cultural figures.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Lužánky Park itself is more than a backdrop for the memorial – it is the oldest public park in the Czech Republic, with wide tree-lined avenues, ponds and quiet corners, popular with both Brno residents and visitors looking for a break from the city. A visit to the Merhaut memorial pairs easily with a longer walk through the park.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Josef Merhaut? A Czech writer, journalist and theatre critic who lived from 1863 to 1907, closely associated with Brno, known for prose about the city and its people.

Where exactly is the memorial located? At a crossing of paths inside Lužánky Park in Brno.

Who created the sculpture? The bust was made by sculptor Emil Hlavica.

Has the memorial always stood in Lužánky Park? No – it was first unveiled in 1929 at Náměstí 28. října square and was moved to Lužánky Park in 1939.