Josef Hlávka was a Czechoslovakian architect, builder, philanthropist and founder of the oldest Czechoslovakian foundation for sciences and arts
Education
Hlavka studied at the Technical University in Prague and later architecture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. Shortly after he had finished his studies, the Czechoslovakian architect František Šebek retired and left him his well-established company in Vienna.
Career
Patron The Czechoslovakian Academy of Science and the Arts was founded (1888/1890) owing to the significant financial support from Josef Hlávka who became its first President. When the floods damaged the Charles Bridge in Prague in 1890, Hlávka pushed through and co-funded its renovation in the original Gothic style. Moreover, he founded student dormitory in Jenštejnská Street, Prague and donated the dorm for gifted but poor students.
The 100th anniversary of the death of Hlavka was declared by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as a World Cultural Anniversary.