The former exhibition pavilion in the Černá louka area will be transformed into a theater hall

Visualization: Atelier 38

Ostrava – The former exhibition pavilion in the Černá Louka exhibition area will be converted into a theater auditorium and rehearsal space. After the reconstruction, it will be used by the National Theater of Moravian-Silesian (NDM) as its studio stage with a capacity for 220 visitors. In the renovated spaces, theater performers will also work temporarily during the second phase of the reconstruction of the Jiří Myron Theater building. This was stated today by NDM spokeswoman Šárka Swiderová. The final price will be announced after the competition ends.

Pavilion G was built in 1961 according to the design of architect Josef Jiřičný. The facade was very simple - it had a glazed raster facade decorated with geometric ornaments. The building was spatially divided into a three-nave exhibition hall and administrative facilities. It was primarily used in the 60s and 70s. In 2002, there was a tennis court or a golf training area here.

"The pavilion will transform into a white house on Černá Louka. A studio stage will be created in 'Géčko.' This will allow us to perform fully in the future and will also revive the previously popular space at the exhibition grounds. In terms of capacity and dimensions, it is a space designated for theater and cultural events for about 220 spectators; a space that is lacking for both the theater and Ostrava," said NDM director Jiří Nekvasil.

The theater received a building permit for the reconstruction this spring, and construction should begin no later than autumn. The funding will be provided by the founder – the city of Ostrava, and NDM will also contribute partially. Preparatory work has already begun in the building and its surroundings. If everything goes according to plan, it could be completed in approximately two years from the start of construction. The total costs will be known after the contractor selection competition is concluded.

The theater management plans to temporarily move the entire production of the Jiří Myron Theater into these spaces. This is because the second phase of the theater building renovation is also being prepared. It includes the modernization of the auditorium and stage technologies, the renovation of the theater's operational facilities, and the revitalization of the courtyard with technical facilities. In April, the theater selected proposals for modifications in the DJM courtyard through a competition. From today, the work of architects, including the winning proposal, can be viewed at an exhibition in the theater's foyer.

"The stage technologies in the Jiří Myron Theater are at the end of their lifespan, having been in use for more than 35 years. It is essential to replace them with new ones. The stage and auditorium will be modernized. We will repair and expand the theater's operational facilities. We need new dressing rooms, storage, and rehearsal spaces," Nekvasil stated. He added that the modernization will also include, for example, air technology and heating for the theater complex.