Trutnov, after a renovation costing 119 million CZK, has opened the Vesmír cinema, which now has two halls

Trutnov - The thirty-thousand-strong town of Trutnov today opened the Vesmír cinema after a two-year reconstruction. The extensive renovation of the 1928 building cost 119 million crowns. The most significant change compared to its pre-reconstruction state is the creation of two auditoriums. The heritage-protected cinema has new seats, sound systems, and projection technology, and also gained wheelchair access. Contrary to the original plans, the renovation was extended by a year and its cost increased by about 20 million crowns.

"The original building from the 1920s was bold, but the interventions into the load-bearing structures made during the 1970s reconstruction were destructive in terms of statics. Despite a building survey being conducted, unfortunately, it was not possible to detect these defects. They were mostly hidden beneath ceilings and wall coverings," explained Mayor Michal Rosa (ODS) regarding the year-long delay in construction. Rosa, who is a professional architect, was also a co-author of the cinema's reconstruction. He won the contract before he became mayor of the town in December 2021.

The increased cost of the reconstruction also reflected the rising prices of construction materials. The town received almost 69 million crowns in grants from the National Recovery Plan for the construction carried out by the construction company BAK.

The large screening room called Blue Galaxy has a capacity of 256 viewers, previously accommodating almost 400 people. The smaller auditorium named Red Dwarf, with a capacity for 39 viewers, is primarily designated for art presentations and, according to the city hall, has the best possible audio technology. "It was not possible to implement this sound system in the large auditorium due to the historic ceiling. It is the only completely preserved part of the original building," said the mayor. After the renovation, the cinema has larger refreshment areas and increased toilet capacity.

The cinema's façade now has a white-gray color instead of the original red, and the builders have restored its original division. Following consultations with heritage protection officials, air conditioning, ventilation, and heat pump outlets were created on the cinema's roof. "The structure follows the shape of the cinema's roof. Given that this is a relatively noisy affair, it will not disturb the residents of nearby houses, and at the same time, it will not mar the façade of the historic building," stated Vojtěch Novotný from the city's development department.

The reconstruction of the cinema was the largest investment of the city this year. The second largest is the reconstruction of the glazed footbridge over Na Struze Street, which began in August and will cost 29 million crowns. In total, Trutnov plans investments of about 210 million crowns this year.