Czech museum in Cedar Rapids readies for opening

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Opening day is almost here for the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapid.

After extensive remodeling and a move to higher ground after being swamped by raging floodwaters in 2008, the museum will open this weekend with a host of festivities.

The Gazette says the expanded museum will be showcased during a two-day celebration on Saturday and Sunday. Over $25 million was raised for flood recovery, which included individual donations, state funds and money from the Czech Republic.

One of the featured exhibitions will be 230 pieces by Moravian-born artist Alphonse Mucha, who shot to fame in Paris in the 1880s. The exhibition, designed especially for the museum, will be on display through Dec. 31. Many of the pieces will then move to Japan.