The National Heritage Institute presented the project for the restoration of the Prague Invalidovna

The National Heritage Institute today presented the project for the restoration of the Invalidovna and the study of its usage. As part of the restoration, the historic site will be reconstructed and supplemented with a layer of contemporary architecture in the form of a modern extension. The restored area will serve as the headquarters for the National Heritage Institute and for the Prague Philharmonic Choir, with part of it being accessible to the public through a guided tour route. Exhibition and conference spaces will also be created, as well as areas for education and creative and community activities.

“We will open the Invalidovna for use by the general public, rehabilitate this unique Baroque monument, and at the same time ensure a dignified environment for the outstanding choral body. We chose the form of the modern extension as a declaration of the time in which it was created, and at the same time we want to show that heritage care can and wishes to work with modern architecture. It is clear that such a solution based on the principle of contrast between the authentic monument and new architecture cannot be applied generally; it is always necessary to work with the individuality of a specific place. Karlín is a city heritage zone, but also a modern progressive urban area, where the new Invalidovna will symbolize the intersection of the old and the new, further developing the dynamics of this location and supporting the local community life,” stated Naďa Goryczková, the general director of the National Heritage Institute.
“The external shape of the extensions is the result of the regulation of the basic volume with regard to archaeological findings, the requirements of heritage care, and the limits of statics and acoustics. The extensions will have a façade made of profiled glass, which will give the place a dignified and festive atmosphere in the evening light,” added Petr Hájek, the author of the architectural design.

After the restoration is completed, the site will serve as the headquarters for the Regional Heritage Administration of the National Heritage Institute in Prague, the headquarters for the Prague Philharmonic Choir, and part of the area will be opened to the public through a guided tour route. An information center and education center will be created to enhance awareness of Czech cultural heritage, as well as exhibition and conference spaces and areas for creative, leisure, and community activities with the intention of turning the site into a cultural and social center for the city. A modern technological laboratory and unique documentation funds for heritage care will also be made accessible to the public here.

“The Prague Philharmonic Choir is among the most respected choral bodies in Europe. It regularly performs with the best orchestras and conductors in the world and records for the most prestigious recording companies. Despite all efforts, however, this ensemble has not managed to find its own space in its entire 85 years of history, until today. It is an immense honor and joy for all of us to be part of this. I would like to thank everyone involved,” said Radim Dolanský, the director of the Prague Philharmonic Choir.
The restoration of the Invalidovna is part of the state program “Care for National Cultural Heritage I.” It is the largest investment project of the National Heritage Institute and simultaneously the largest investment project of the Ministry of Culture funded from the state budget. The complete restoration is expected to be completed no earlier than 2027. The current estimate of the project implementation costs is 1.95 billion crowns. Currently, the preparatory phase of the restoration is underway, expected to conclude by the end of 2021. As part of this phase, a usage study, a construction historical survey including the cataloging of elements, and a rescue archaeological survey have already been prepared.