Families Watch Museum Move

Cedar Rapids - Many people flocked out to see the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library on the move.

Bill Lee left his Missouri home Tuesday night at about midnight traveling nearly five hours to reach the move site.

"I arrived this morning [Wednesday] at about quarter after five,” Lee said.

He's just one of dozens who came from all over to see the spectacle.

The move and the museum mean something special to many.

“I'm a true Czech,” said Donald Capouch.

For some, like Capouch, it's a piece of their heritage.

"I didn't want to miss this opportunity to see the movement of this thing,” Capouch said.

All day Wednesday onlookers lined bridges and filled the streets.

Even business owners in Czech Village kept a watchful eye on the progress.

"We watched that museum being built and now we're watching it move down the road,” said Maria's Tea Room Owner George Joens.

But it was a slow move.

"It kind of reminds me of a minute hand on a clock,” said Al Misel.

One some businesses are working around, especially with street closures.

"It's a little bit of a nuisance but it's a necessary nuisance and we knew it was coming and we're happy for them and it's something we're glad to put up with for a couple of days,” said Novak Heating & Air Condition's Randy Novak.

Despite the long process, young and old know this move is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"Probably never ever see it again in this area. It's quite a feat,” said Reynold Moessner.

"I'm not sure if I'm going to have the opportunity to see something like this again,” said 11-year-old Logan Feller.

Overall a couple hundred people were here to see the building move.

It's expected to take weeks to completely finish the project.