Chomutov, October 31, 2025, 3:00 PM

On Friday afternoon, October 31, a new memorial plaque dedicated to Karl May was unveiled on the façade of the former Hotel Scherber in Chelčického Street, Chomutov.
The sculpture was created by Štěpán Bílek, who sought to capture the writer’s energy and creative spark.

“For this kind of sculptural work, it’s always important to choose a moment in someone’s life when they were full of energy and enthusiasm,” said Štěpán Bílek. “In May’s case, I found an image from the period when he had that creative sparkle in his eyes. Whether I managed to convey it—others will judge.”

The plaque commemorates May’s visit in the summer of 1897, when he stayed overnight in the same building, visited a local charity Gerümpel Exhibition, and made a generous donation toward the construction of a gymnasium—today’s city sports hall.

The idea to connect Chomutov with the world of Winnetou and Old Shatterhand came from the international initiative Try Walking in May Shoes, realized with the support of the city and local partners.

Štěpán Bílek

“Thanks to museum director Markéta Prontekerová, city officer Hana Nováková, and the support of the city leadership including Mayor Milan Märc, this slightly crazy idea became reality,” said Tereza Koranda Dvořáková from the Ženský spolek z. s. association. “It’s a small contribution to remembering the city’s history, but placing Chomutov on the map of places connected with Karl May is a meaningful gesture for many fans from both Czechia and Germany.”

Andreas Barth of Silberbüchse e.V., supporting the Karl May Haus in Hohenstein-Ernstthal, remarked:

“With the number of places dedicated to Karl May, Czechia now equals his home state of Saxony. Back in East Germany, we used to come to Czechoslovakia to see May films that were banned at home. It’s symbolic that his legacy is revived here.”
Before the unveiling, Barth recalled the motto of the project Try Walking in May Shoes – May it happen.

Deputy Mayor Martin Bocian added a personal memory:

“As a child, I insisted my parents buy me a horse so I could ride across the land like Winnetou and Old Shatterhand.”

He joined museum director Markéta Prontekerová and Marian Brtz, director of Karl May Haus, in unveiling the acrylic sculpture. Whether the applause that followed was deserved can be judged from the photos—or better yet, in person—by visiting the former Hotel Scherber, now part of the city hall.

“Karl May stopped in Chomutov only briefly, but the Ore Mountains were once his temporary home, even in times when he lived on the edge of the law,” said Mirek Koranda, manager of the Try Walking in May Shoes initiative. “His imagination, perspective, and humor—qualities that helped him rise above the narrow-mindedness of his origins—remain inspiring for today’s reflections on serious issues.”