The renovation of the Vrbenský barracks in the center of Hradec Králové has received a building permit

Hradec Králové – The regional project for the reconstruction of the Vrbenské barracks in the center of the hundred-thousand-strong city of Hradec Králové has received a building permit. The renovation of the historical building in the area of the unused barracks is related to the plan to establish a museum campus. The Královéhradecký region is seeking financing options, representatives of the regional government informed today. The region recently completed an extensive reconstruction of the neighboring Gayer barracks.

"Our goal is to transform the former military complex into a modern campus that will offer dignified museum facilities and at the same time beautify the center of the regional metropolis. We have successfully completed the first step in the reconstruction of the Gayer barracks. However, for the next stage, the reconstruction of the Vrbenské barracks, it is absolutely essential to find financing options," said Governor Martin Červíček. According to him, the region could utilize national and European funds.

According to the regional government, a fundamental task is also the transfer of real estate from the city of Hradec Králové to the region. The city is currently the owner of the Vrbenské barracks, but the city hall has already signed a contract with the Královéhradecký region regarding a future agreement for the donation of this historical building. The Vrbenské barracks were established in the 19th century and belonged to the Czech army until 2018. Since the 1990s, the building has been unused and is deteriorating.

In the Vrbenské barracks area, plans include the establishment of a natural science and archaeological exhibition, a digitization center, a lapidarium with interactive facilities, and a center for creative services and museology. During the reconstruction, as was the case with the Gayer barracks, an extension providing barrier-free access to the building, including an information center, should also be created. The goal of the region and the city is to create a museum campus on the site with adjacent spaces for cultural and other events.

The Gayer barracks serve the needs of the East Bohemian Museum, which is also expected to handle the operation of the Vrbenské barracks, stated the Deputy Governor for Culture Martina Berdychová (Východočeši). There are also plans for the modernization of a part of the former military complex near both buildings.

The extensive reconstruction of the Gayer barracks into a modern museum depository was completed by the region last July. Construction work lasted from September 2019. In the glass extension of the renovated historical building, a research area for the library and collection funds was created, including social facilities. The total investment in the reconstruction and equipping of the barracks amounted to 310 million crowns, and construction costs were 270 million. Approximately 211 million crowns will be covered by a European grant from the Integrated Regional Operational Program. This was the largest investment project in culture by the region in recent years.

The Gayer barracks house the main facilities of the East Bohemian Museum in Hradec Králové, including the depository, restoration workshops, offices, and research rooms, which are essential for the operation of such an institution. The main seat of the museum is a secessionist building designed by architect Jan Kotěra on Eliščino nábřeží, which belongs to the city of Hradec Králové.