The region wants to turn the barracks in Hradec into a natural history museum

Farmers' markets are held in the courtyard of the barracks.

Hradec Králové - The Hradec Králové Region plans to establish a natural science exhibition of the East Bohemian Museum in one of the buildings in the Gayer Barracks complex in the center of Hradec Králové. The costs for the reconstruction of the building are estimated to exceed 150 million crowns. The region intends to acquire funds from the European Union in the new programming period from 2014 to 2021. The region hopes to be ready for the reconstruction at the beginning of 2016. This was stated today by the deputy governor Otakar Ruml (KSČM).
    According to the region, there is a lack of a natural science exhibition in Hradec Králové. "We have many items in our depositories that could be exhibited and it would be worth it," said Ruml. The former military facility currently houses museum depositories and restoration workshops. However, the building is, according to Ruml, in very poor technical condition and needs a roof repair, façade work, and new windows. Additional funds will be needed for interior modifications; for the purposes of the new museum exhibition, the region is also considering an extension of the building with a smaller annex.
    However, the region wants to discuss the plan for the building's reconstruction with the Hradec City Hall first, which owns most of the barracks complex. The city, in turn, has its own plans for the barracks, including building a new parking garage for 250 cars on the premises. "We would like to prepare our investment plan with the city so that everything forms one architectural and functional whole," stated Ruml. The region intends to start discussions with the city in June.
    Various commercial entities lease parts of the barracks buildings, which also house a vehicle registration office and a veterinary clinic. Farmers' markets are held in the courtyard of the barracks.