The Czech national railway operator České dráhy has officially established a new structure dedicated to managing its historical heritage, in the form of the “World of Railways” Foundation. Starting in March, the new institution will take over responsibility for the management, conservation, and operation of historic railway vehicles, in a move aimed at professionalizing and ensuring the long-term protection of the Czech railway heritage.
According to the company, all the steps necessary to establish the foundation, including its governance structure and legal framework, have been approved by the competent bodies of the national operator. With this decision, České dráhy is explicitly separating its commercial activities from the preservation of its technical heritage, a model that is becoming increasingly common in Europe.
Over 430 historic vehicles transferred to the new foundation
Over 430 exhibits, previously administered by České dráhy’s Center for Historic Vehicles, will be transferred to the foundation.
The collection includes locomotives, carriages, and other vehicles of major historical value, stored in 16 locations throughout the Czech Republic.
These include the facilities of the Czech Railway Museum in Lužná u Rakovníka, as well as other centers in Olomouc and the rest of the country.
The Historical Vehicles Center, which has operated as an internal unit of the operator until now, will be dissolved at the end of February. Employees have been offered the opportunity to continue working either within the new foundation or within CHV, s.r.o., an affiliated entity.
Inspiration from European models
According to Michal Krapinec, CEO of České dráhy, the foundation was designed based on models already tested in other European countries. The main goal is to ensure professional and sustainable management of railway heritage and to create a transparent framework for attracting external funding.
“We drew inspiration from established models of railway asset management in several European countries. The goal is long-term, professional management and a clear financing framework. The establishment of the foundation is a logical step for the development of railway history in the Czech Republic,” said Krapinec.
Governance and control of heritage
The new foundation will have a clearly defined management structure, with a Board of Directors as the statutory body and a Supervisory Board responsible for control. This structure is designed to ensure both transparency of decisions and strict control over how historic vehicles are managed.
Jiří Ješeta, member of the Board of Directors of České dráhy and Vice President responsible for passenger transport, emphasized that the new model eliminates the risks associated with possible deterioration or uncontrolled dispersion of heritage.
“It is essential for us that there will be no risk of uncontrolled sale or even liquidation of the national technical heritage. The foundation will ensure both the protection of vehicles and a high level of supervision,” he said.
Restoration, operation, and education
The foundation’s activities will not be limited to the static preservation of exhibits. It will be responsible for the restoration and operation of historic vehicles, the development of exhibitions, the organization of thematic events and educational programs, and the publication of materials dedicated to railway history.
The foundation also aims to develop partnerships with museums and institutions in the Czech Republic and abroad, as well as to attract funding from public and private sources, thereby reducing the financial pressure on the national operator.
The position of executive director of the foundation has been entrusted to Matěj Horn, who was selected following a public competition. He will be tasked with consolidating the new institution’s operations and developing relationships with partners and funders.
“We want to present railway history in a modern and attractive way, develop exhibitions, and offer new programs to the public. Collaboration with partners in the public and private sectors will be essential,” Horn said.
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