Construction Halts at the Karel-Gott Museum
In a surprising turn of events, plans for a museum dedicated to the late pop star Karel Gott have been put on hold. The museum was intended to be located in Karel Gott's long-time residence in the Prague district of Smichov, but his widow, Ivana Gottová, has announced its suspension.
Ivana Gottová, the widow of Karel Gott, was the one who originally dreamt of the museum for fans of the "golden voice of Prague." However, she has expressed opposition to the project, citing concerns over management, concept, and commercialization associated with the museum. She believes these aspects do not properly honour Karel Gott's legacy.
Ivana Gottová has been known to carefully protect her late husband's legacy and maintain control over how his memory is presented. The precise details of her motivations have mostly been communicated through Czech media statements rather than fully detailed public disclosures.
The halt of the museum project was not an easy decision for Ivana Gottová. She emphasized that every project should bring joy, and if it affects health, it's appropriate to say stop.
Karel Gott, who sold an estimated over 50 million records during his career, is known for hits like "Biene Maja," "Lady Carneval," and "Once Around the World." The villa where he lived from 1974 until his death in 2019 at the age of 80 is in the Prague district of Smichov.
Interestingly, a nearby square in Prague-Smichov is currently being considered for naming after Karel Gott. Despite the halt of the museum project, fans and stakeholders continue to show their support for celebrating Karel Gott's life and work in some form.
A previous museum dedicated to Karel Gott's life and work, called "Gottland," was located in Jevany near Prague. However, it had to close for financial reasons.
The news of the halted museum project has sparked discussions among fans and the public, with some expressing understanding for Ivana Gottová's decision, while others express disappointment. The future of Karel Gott's legacy in Prague remains to be seen.
Ivana Gottová, the careful protector of Karel Gott's legacy, has opposed the idea of a museum for celebrities, citing concerns about management and commercialization that she feels would not honor his legacy appropriately. Despite the halt of the museum project, discussions persist about alternative forms of entertainment celebrating Karel Gott's life and work in Prague.
