The construction of the Philharmonic in Prague is expected to cost around six billion crowns

Prague - The construction of the new Prague Philharmonic planned for Vltavská is estimated to cost approximately 5.3 billion crowns, with an additional 750 million expected for project preparation. Part of the funding could come from the state. This was announced to reporters today by Prague Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček (for TOP 09) during the presentation of the first study commissioned by the city for this project. The city administration hopes to announce an international architectural competition for the project this year, with project preparation expected to take four and a half years.

The feasibility study was commissioned by the city last year and prepared by the Danish architectural studio Henning Larsen, which was approved by the council today. It will now be followed by the approval of the architectural competition for the building's design. According to the timeline, the competition for the construction company could start at the turn of 2025 and 2026, and the building could potentially be completed in 2032 if everything goes smoothly.

According to Hlaváček, the study indicated that the hall should be owned by the city or a company controlled by it. The study's conclusions suggest that the complex could create up to 4,000 jobs, with the annual attendance of the building estimated at 600,000 based on international comparisons. The building should host at least one resident orchestra.

According to the architects' recommendations, the Philharmonic should have a total of three halls - a concert hall for 1,800 spectators, a smaller one for chamber music with a capacity of 500, and a multifunctional hall for other genres and types of events with a capacity of up to 700 people. Operating costs should be covered by income from renting halls and commercial spaces such as shops, cafes, and restaurants.

The total estimated cost of about 6.1 billion crowns is expected to include outdoor areas and an underground parking garage. According to Hlaváček, the city is already in discussions regarding possible co-financing of the project by the state. "It is one of my tasks to prepare a memorandum with the Ministry of Culture," he said.

Marti Gross, a member of the committee preparing the hall, stated that the approval of the study marks the completion of the first phase, which began about ten years ago with the signing of a memorandum between the then city administration and the Association for the Construction of a New Concert Hall in Prague. Hlaváček added that discussions about the hall have been ongoing since the Velvet Revolution. Prague 7 Mayor Jan Čižinský (Prague Ours) then said that the construction is important for the development of the area around Vltavská. "We all know that Vltavská is indeed a scar on the face of the city. A new philharmonic will help heal this scar," he said.

Prague councilors approved the processing of a change to the zoning plan last autumn, which will allow for the construction of the philharmonic. In addition to the concert hall, the city will also address related changes around Vltavská metro station, such as transportation solutions around Hlávkův bridge, an underpass under the railway line, or a new exit from the metro. The city is preparing a zoning study for the entire area of the so-called brownfield Holešovice-Bubny, which anticipates extensive residential construction.

Discussions about the construction of a large concert hall in Prague have been ongoing for decades. The most debated issue has been the suitable location. In the 1990s, the hall could have been built in Letná – on a site also considered for the construction of the National Library according to architect Jan Kaplický's design. Japanese investors wanted to donate the building to the Czech Philharmonic for its 100th anniversary. The then Minister of Culture Milan Uhde and Mayor Milan Kondr rejected their offer.