<html>Department stores as gems of architecture are showcased by the Ústí Museum</html>
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| Růžena Žertová, department store Labe, Ústí nad Labem / project 1965–69, implementation 1969–74 |
Ústí nad Labem - The architecture of socialist department stores is presented in a new exhibition at the Ústí museum, titled Labe Máje Priory. It documents in detail, among other things, the Ústí shopping center Labe and the work of architect Růžena Žertová. As part of the planned guided tours, people will be able to see different corners of the building, whose façade is meant to evoke the rippling surface of the river.
Labe, which is perceived by Ústí residents as an everyday backdrop of the city, has retained the imprint of the 1970s to this day. "It also represents top-notch architecture of its time. The façade is particularly interesting as the architect Žertová hid many symbols within it," said historian of the city museum Martin Krsek to ČTK.
The dark gray aluminum façade and the slate cladding, which has since disappeared, were meant to evoke the color of the river water. The aluminum skin was designed by a research institute specifically for the unique atmosphere of the Ústí region, which was aggressive in the 1970s. The façade was initially silver but darkened over time due to oxidation. The shine of the aluminum is intended to reflect the surface of the water.
According to Krsek, department stores, as temples of consumption, were meant to calm the revolutionary sentiments that were boiling in society during the 60s and 70s. "People do not even realize that they also represented very high-quality architecture, which has been significantly damaged by various renovations," he added.
The Ústí Labe underwent a transformation ten years ago. Interested parties can explore areas untouched by renovation as part of unconventional tours scheduled for February 3 and 24. "Primarily, they will go to the roof, from where there is an exceptional view of the city center, they will see a generous terrace, operational spaces, and extensive underground areas," said the historian. Customers can then enhance their visit by relaxing in a bar whose furnishings are almost identical to the original ones from 1974.
The exhibition about department stores is open to the public at the museum until April 19.
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