<Praha> is already preparing the construction of a new concert hall</Praha>

Stanislav Bažant: Philharmonic Hall at Vltavská

Prague – A project team has begun working on the preparations for the construction of a new concert hall in Prague. One of its main tasks is to explore the possibilities of utilizing the new space. Subsequently, next year a brief for an international architectural competition for the design of the hall could be prepared. The start of construction is now estimated for 2026, and the commencement of operations is approximately slated for 2030. Costs are expected to be around four billion CZK. This was stated by Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček (for TOP 09) in response to a query from ČTK today.

In connection with the construction of the new concert hall, only its location in the Vltavská area is currently clear, a plan handled by the previous administration of Prague, the Institute of Planning and Development of the Capital City of Prague, and the Association for the Construction of a New Concert Hall in Prague, including architect Josef Pleskot.

However, it is not known who will finance the plan. In addition to the implementation costs of around four billion crowns, according to Hlaváček, it will be necessary to invest in infrastructure throughout the Vltavská area. The cost of other construction works is estimated at two and a half to three billion crowns, he stated.

The project team, which has experience with similar plans, will now examine whether it would be appropriate to create a headquarters, for example for the Czech Philharmonic, or preferably a versatile concert hall. It will also find out what the concept of additional spaces and accompanying activities in the building will be. According to Hlaváček, there is currently consensus that the core of the building should be a concert hall with the most modern parameters for approximately 2000 listeners. The building should be open to the public almost constantly.

Discussions about the construction of a large concert hall in Prague have been ongoing for decades. The most debated aspect has been the suitable location. The hall could have been built in Letná in the 1990s – in a spot where there were also considerations for the construction of the National Library according to the design by architect Jan Kaplický. Japanese investors wanted to dedicate the building to the Czech Philharmonic for its 100th anniversary. The then Minister of Culture Milan Uhde and Mayor Milan Kondr rejected their offer.