Klementinum is awaiting the reconstruction of study rooms and halls

Prague - The next five years of the National Library (NK) will be marked by further revitalization of Klementinum and the digitization of books. The changes are expected to cost 1.9 billion crowns. The current management aims to make the heritage-protected complex more accessible to the public and attract new visitors. After the renovations of the façades and the Révové courtyard, the focus will shift to interior reconstruction of the library, the spaces previously occupied by the State Technical Library will be reconfigured, and cars should almost disappear from the area. This was stated by General Director Tomáš Böhm, who took office 100 days ago.
    The five-year plan, presented today by the NK management, is divided into six phases. "The most challenging will be the third phase in 2013 to 2014, when there will be extensive reconstruction of the internal historical spaces, reading rooms, and halls," added Böhm.
    The first phase of revitalization at Klementinum has already begun and is expected to be completed by the end of June. This year, the second phase will follow, with its main task being the adjustment of façades on Křižovnická Street and the renovation of the Révové courtyard. "The strategic plan concludes with the revitalization of the spaces previously occupied by the State Technical Library, which has relocated to Dejvice. In its spaces, a lecture hall and an art gallery will be created," said Böhm. The designer of the reconstruction is the company Metroprojekt Praha. Part of the funding for the revitalization will come from the abolished National Property Fund, and part from the state budget.
    Within five years, the NK management plans to replace the asphalt in front of the library with paving, build a café and bookstore at Klementinum, improve the library's website, and digitize the archive.
    Conversely, the NK wants to eliminate cars entirely from its premises. The necessary supplies to the institution will be ensured by a new handling area and an underground entrance from Platnéřská Street to new underground garages. According to Böhm, the baroque Klementinum will thus open more to the public, which will have almost no contact with cars. However, heritage conservationists protested against the garages in the past, fearing damaging construction interventions. Böhm, however, rejected their objections, stating that the construction will not require any demolition of the portal, which had previously been expected, nor any other significant construction modifications.
    The Hostivař depository will also undergo changes within the five-year horizon. Böhm canceled the tender for its completion shortly after taking office, as he considered it too expensive. The initial costs have now been reduced by more than 120 million to 400 million crowns, which will come from the state budget.
    The National Library previously found itself in the media spotlight primarily due to the announcement of an architectural competition for a new building that was supposed to replace the inadequate spaces of Klementinum. In spring 2007, architect Jan Kaplický won with his futuristic project, but the plan was not realized due to resistance from some Prague politicians and President Václav Klaus. There was also a problem with its financing.
    Instead, the government decided on the revitalization of Klementinum and the completion of the depository in Hostivař. The current head, Böhm, also does not plan to revive the proposal for the construction of a new library according to Kaplický's design. "The Kaplický library will not be built, but in creating the strategic plan, we have utilized some of his ideas and solutions," stated Böhm.
    The main role in planning the revitalization of Klementinum was held by a renewed advisory group of architects and conservationists, which had been dissolved by former director Pavel Hazuka. His successor was appointed director of the library based on a competition by Minister Jiří Besser (for TOP 09).