The paper focuses on Antonín Bedřich I, the count of Mitrovice (1770– 1842), a native of Brno and a benefactor, who was a governor of Moravia and Silesia in 1815–1827. It analyses his contribution to his hometown, to the development of Moravian studies and the foundation of the museum of Brno. By way of citing contemporary periodicals the study documents the significance of Mitrovský's personality.