Friedrich Cardinal von Fürstenberg - the last aristocrat on the throne of the Archbishops of Olomouc

The Olomouc Museum of Art and Palacký University in Olomouc propose a project aimed at a comprehensive interdisciplinary elaboration of an important figure in Central European history of the second half of the 19th century – the Cardinal and Archbishop of Olomouc Friedrich von Fürstenberg (1813–1892). One of the longest-acting administrators of the Olomouc Archdiocese acted in his office in the years 1853–1892, which is at the period of crucial social, economic, cultural and political changes. As a descendant of an important and ancient princely family, Fürstenberg promoted deeply conservative rules. He defended the Church’s independence over the ruling secular power, supported Czech interests during national struggles, worked on deepening the religious life of the people. He only slowly exposed the entrusted property and souls to the escalating social tensions or economic changes. He also acted as an important builder and collector. He changed the face of several cities and the cultural landscape. He expanded the library, cataloged and substantially enriched the collection of coins and medals. He expanded the collection of paintings and graphics and made the first attempt to establish a diocesan museum. In his activities, he was confronted with modern trends in the institutionalization of collecting and the nascent principles of monument care and protection. The applied outputs of the project will be six exhibitions with critical catalogues, an audiovisual work (television documentary in Czech Television standards), a specialized public database and an interactive map. In addition, the project team will prepare several publications that will contextually expand knowledge about the general, social, religious and cultural history. The project is designed so that it does not appeal only to the professional public. Museum educators, an interactive map and a documentary will guide the general public through the difficult period of the 2nd half of the 19th century.