Hradec Gallery will reopen after renovations in November

Hradec Králové - The Gallery of Modern Art in Hradec Králové will open to visitors after its reconstruction in November. The main reason for the several-month delay is extensive restoration work, informed today by CTK spokesperson Martina Götzová.

The gallery was originally scheduled to open in June, but the delay was caused at that time by two complaints from unsuccessful firms submitted to the Office for Protection of Competition regarding the competition for exhibition lighting. Subsequently, the planned September date was canceled due to ongoing restoration work.

"The installation of exhibition lighting is progressing according to schedule. The trusses are already hung, and the actual fixtures are starting to be installed. The completion date for the lighting is by September 9," informed councilor for investments Josef Dvořák (ČSSD). However, restorers are still working on the repairs of historical wallpapers, wooden elements, and furniture in the building. "This week, the restoration company is supposed to take away the sculptures from the main facade of the building; the entrance portal and staircase will be dismantled," Dvořák stated.

Deputy Governor Otakar Ruml (KSČM) mentioned that the region wants to open the building only after all work is completed. "So that we do not open a refurbished building equipped halfway, the opening date will be in the second half of November. A specific date has not yet been set," added Ruml.

The repairs to the Art Nouveau building of the former Savings Institute, built between 1911 and 1912 in Great Square, began in July 2014, with total costs around 120 million crowns including VAT. The construction work was completed in January this year, after which work continued on the interior furnishing, such as the equipment of storage rooms and the installation of furniture. The Hradec gallery has around 5,500 artworks and collections that were in temporary spaces during the renovations. In the renovated gallery, visitors will find a permanent exhibition of modern art, spaces for temporary exhibitions, and a graphic cabinet.