Plaque of Božena Šebetovská, Brno

The memorial plaque of Božena Šebetovská hangs on a building on Kounicova Street in Brno, honoring a folk singer whose name was tied for decades to this address and to Brno radio broadcasting. It is a modest but concrete trace of the career of one of the most popular performers of Moravian folk songs in the 20th century.

Where exactly is the plaque located?

The plaque is mounted next to the entrance of the building at Kounicova 20–22, in Brno-střed, on the left-hand side of the doorway. The building belonged to the Sokol gymnastics organization, and it was here, in the Sokol premises, that Božena Šebetovská carried out much of her professional activity.

Who was Božena Šebetovská?

Božena Šebetovská was born on 6 January 1919 in Lanžhot, in southern Moravia, and died on 13 April 1982. She worked as a folk singer and became one of the most recognizable performers of Moravian folk songs of her generation. Together with Jožka Severín she formed a singing duo that appeared regularly in Brno radio broadcasts. She also collaborated with conductor Karel Vetterl and with Brno orchestral ensembles, building a lasting reputation within the region's folk music scene.

When was the plaque unveiled, and who created it?

The plaque was unveiled on 5 December 2005. Its installation was approved by the Brno City Council at a session designated R4/104, held on 26 May 2005. The design is the work of sculptor Nikos Armutidis.

What does the plaque look like?

It is a vertical, rectangular bronze plaque. The upper section carries a relief portrait of Božena Šebetovská, and below it runs the inscription: "V této budově působila významná lidová zpěvačka Božena Šebetovská původem z Lanžhota, * 6.1.1919 †13.4.1982" — meaning "A renowned folk singer, Božena Šebetovská, originally from Lanžhot, worked in this building."

Why was the plaque placed at this particular spot?

The Kounicova address is not incidental — it was inside this Sokol-owned building that the singer carried out her artistic activity. The plaque marks a place of work and performance rather than a birthplace or place of death, which is a common way Brno commemorates figures tied to the city's cultural life.

Is it worth seeking out while visiting Brno?

The plaque is not a major stop on a typical sightseeing route — it is more of a detail for visitors interested in Moravian folk music history and Brno's local cultural heritage. Kounicova Street runs through the central part of the city, so finding the plaque requires no significant detour for anyone exploring Brno-střed on foot.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Božena Šebetovská? A folk singer from Lanžhot (1919–1982), one of the most popular performers of Moravian folk songs, known for her duo with Jožka Severín and her appearances on Brno radio.

Where is the plaque located? On the building at Kounicova 20–22 in Brno-střed, formerly a Sokol organization premises where the singer was professionally active.

When was the plaque unveiled? On 5 December 2005, following approval by the Brno City Council on 26 May 2005.

Who created the plaque? Sculptor Nikos Armutidis, who made it from bronze with a relief portrait of the singer.

What does the inscription commemorate? That a renowned folk singer, Božena Šebetovská, originally from Lanžhot, worked in this building.