Restoration of the Novomlýnská Water Tower in the center of Prague

Prague - The restoration of the historic Novomlýnská water tower in the center of Prague will cost about 20 million crowns. Next spring, an exhibition about firefighters and fires will open there. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy views of Prague from the thirty-five meter tower by the Vltava River. The total costs for making the exhibition accessible in the tower are estimated by the Museum of the Capital City of Prague, which manages most of Prague's towers, to be around 48 million crowns.

"In this first stage of the monument's restoration, not only will a viewpoint for the public be opened, but also a new exhibition on the history of fires in Prague and Prague's firefighters," said the museum spokesperson Olga Šámalová to ČTK.

The historic water tower stands at the end of Revoluční Street near Štefánik Bridge. The original wooden structure was replaced in the early 17th century by a stone one, which partly collapsed during floods. The current building dates back to 1658 and was originally located right by the river, but the riverbed shifted further away from the tower due to sedimentation, bank regulation, and the construction of quays. It ceased to serve its original purpose in 1877.

The tower has six floors and is clad on the outside with sandstone blocks. As part of the restoration work, according to the announcement in the public procurement bulletin, the roof will be restored, the stone facade of the tower, the baroque stucco cornice will be repaired, and the internal wooden staircase will be renovated. "Damaged stones will be replaced with new stone masonry, and all damaged or non-existent cornices will be newly manufactured," the document states. Electricity will be distributed to all floors, and a restroom for visitors will be created on the ground floor.

The exhibition is set to open this spring. Visitors will be able to see items from the museum's collection, such as firefighter helmets, hoses, or axes. They will also learn about the operation of the fire telegraph or the steam pump. The exhibition will also showcase major fires in Prague, including the fire of the National Theatre. Local volunteer firefighters, who will also provide some accompanying programs, are based directly under the tower.

In close proximity to the tower, a new building, informally referred to as Novomlýnská Gate, is to be constructed. It is to be created according to the design of architect Eva Jiřičná. This will require the demolition of the neighboring neo-Renaissance house.