The reconstruction of the Rudolfina will significantly transform the Column Hall this year

Dvorana Rudolfina; source: ceskafilharmonie.cz

Prague - The neo-Renaissance building of Prague's Rudolfinum, which will celebrate its 130th anniversary since its opening this February 7, will undergo a significant transformation of the Column Hall this year. It is intended to function not only as a café but also as a relaxation space for meetings with visual art and music. The newly conceived café will expand into the Hall. Two new rehearsal rooms with suitable acoustics will be created. ČTK was informed about this by the spokesperson of the Czech Philharmonic (ČF), Kateřina Motlová.
    The Rudolfinum building, primarily serving as a concert hall and gallery, is state property. The ČF, a contributory organization, uses it under the authority of its founder, the Ministry of Culture. The ČF also includes the Rudolfinum Gallery.
    The extensive reconstruction in the Rudolfinum building began last summer. The ČF launched repairs amounting to approximately 100 million crowns as part of the two-year Open Rudolfinum project. The ČF received a donation of sixty-five million crowns for the current repairs from the Ministry of Culture back in 2011. Another eight million crowns was provided by the ministry last year. The ČF contributed 11.6 million crowns from its own resources. Additional millions were allocated by the ministry and the ČF for the modernization of the building's energy management.
    "The construction work being carried out under the supervision of heritage conservation will lead to the revitalization of the building and the improvement of its operation and technical facilities. Modifications to Dvořák Hall, the Hall, Suk Hall, Column Hall, Rudolfinum Gallery, and backstage areas are planned over the next two years," stated Motlová. "Thanks to energy savings, operating costs will be reduced by hundreds of thousands of crowns annually," she added.
    The first phase of the new reconstruction included laying a new floor in the auditorium and on the stage, new air conditioning, reupholstering seats, and additional women's toilets in the foyer, in front of which traditional humiliating queues formed. "The Philharmonic is very satisfied with the results of the reconstruction; the backstage facilities for musicians have improved, for example, the tuning spaces have been expanded. The air conditioning in Dvořák Hall has also been modernized," noted Motlová.
    The August repairs did not disrupt the current concert activities in the Rudolfinum.
    The Rudolfinum underwent substantial alterations during the general reconstruction designed by architect Karel Prager from 1990 to 1992. During this time, this national cultural monument was restored to its original form. The reconstruction cost 1.2 billion crowns.
    Today, the Rudolfinum building houses the ČF and the Rudolfinum Gallery. Besides ČF performances, important concerts are held in Dvořák Hall, including those for the Prague Spring and Dvořák Prague festivals. It was in today’s Dvořák Hall that the ČF, under the direction of Antonín Dvořák, had its first performance on January 4, 1896.
    The Rudolfinum Gallery does not have its own collections; it operates on the principle of a kunsthalle, meaning it does not have a permanent collection. The gallery has 1,500 square meters of exhibition halls, a shop, and a café. Currently, there is an exhibition of works by 11 contemporary artists who focus on the phenomenon of modeling and models.
    "The Philharmonic uses the building to perform activities defined by its founding charter, takes care of the building's preservation, and ensures its maintenance. Individual parts of the building are rented out short-term, mainly to cultural event organizers," stated the Ministry of Culture spokesperson Simona Cigánková.